What is the primary function of the liver in carbohydrate metabolism?

• A. Gluconeogenesis and glycogen storage to regulate blood glucose
• B. Protein synthesis for plasma cells
• C. Bile pigment conjugation
• D. Filtration of blood plasma

Answer: (A)

In carbohydrate metabolism, the liver’s main job is to keep blood glucose levels steady by storing and producing glucose as needed. After a meal, the liver converts excess glucose into glycogen for storage (glycogenesis). When glucose is scarce, it can break down glycogen to release glucose and can also generate new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources (gluconeogenesis) to maintain blood glucose for the brain and other tissues. This coordinated storage and production directly regulate blood glucose.

Other options describe liver functions not focused on carbohydrate regulation: protein synthesis for plasma cells relates to immune function, conjugating bile pigments deals with bile production, and filtering blood plasma is more about general detoxified processing and kidney-like filtration.