What is the overall process of converting small organic molecules into glucose known as?

The overall process of converting small organic molecules into glucose is known as gluconeogenesis. This metabolic pathway primarily occurs in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in the kidneys. It allows the body to maintain blood glucose levels during fasting or intense exercise by synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors such as amino acids and glycerol.

Gluconeogenesis is crucial because glucose serves as a primary energy source for many cellular processes, particularly in the brain and red blood cells. The pathway involves a series of enzymatic reactions that essentially reverse glycolysis, with some key differences due to the need to bypass irreversible steps of glycolysis.

This process is critical for glucose homeostasis, ensuring that energy supply is matched to demands, especially when dietary sources of carbohydrates are scarce.