In what organ does gluconeogenesis primarily occur?

Gluconeogenesis primarily occurs in the liver, which plays a central role in maintaining glucose homeostasis in the body. This metabolic pathway is essential for generating glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, especially during fasting or when carbohydrate intake is low. The liver is equipped with the necessary enzymes for gluconeogenesis, which convert substrates such as lactate, glycerol, and certain amino acids into glucose.

In addition to its primary location in the liver, gluconeogenesis can occur in the kidney, particularly in the renal cortex, but its contribution is less significant compared to that of the liver. The pancreas primarily regulates blood glucose levels through the secretion of insulin and glucagon but is not directly involved in gluconeogenesis. Muscle tissues, while capable of converting some substrates into glucose, do not perform gluconeogenesis; instead, they rely on anaerobic glycolysis and the use of glycogen for energy. Therefore, the liver is the organ most commonly associated with gluconeogenesis.