title: Magnesium and regulation of carbohydrate metabolism at the molecular level.
abstract: Enzymatic reactions involving the transfer of high-energy phosphate require a divalent metal ion as a participant. This is normally Mg2+ in biological situations, as its level within the cell is greater than other divalent metal ions. Although available methods for determining free cellular Mg2+ have thus far given divergent results, there is a growing body of evidence that its concentration is relatively low, approximately 0.5 mM. This low level permits control of important parts of carbohydrate metabolism, especially glycolysis, by Mg2+. The role of Mg2+ in regulating the phosphoryl-transfer enzymes of this pathway is described. Also described briefly is a series of computer models of this metabolism in heart and pancreatic islets. These models indicate considerable changes in Mg2+ level, and consequent control, especially when there are sharp changes in the glycolytic rate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Computer Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Garfinkel
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Garfinkel
mesh_terms: D050260:Carbohydrate Metabolism; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006019:Glycolysis; D008274:Magnesium / Q000502:physiology*; D010770:Phosphotransferases / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D010770:Phosphotransferases; D008274:Magnesium