<P> Gluconeogenesis is the reverse process of glycolysis . It involves the conversion of non-carbohydrate molecules into glucose . The non-carbohydrate molecules that are converted in this pathway include pyruvate, lactate, glycerol, alanine, and glutamine . This process occurs when there are lowered amounts of glucose . The production of glucose by this pathway is important to tissues that cannot use any other fuels, such as the brain . The liver is the primary location of gluconeogenesis, but some also occurs in the kidney . </P> <P> This pathway is regulated by multiple different molecules . Glucagon, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and ATP encourage gluconeogenesis . Gluconeogenesis is inhibited by AMP, ADP, and insulin . </P> <P> Glycogenolysis refers to the breakdown of glycogen . In the liver, muscles, and the kidney, this process occurs to provide glucose when necessary . A single glucose molecule is cleaved from a branch of glycogen, and is transformed into glucose - 1 - phosphate during this process . This molecule can then be converted to glucose - 6 - phosphate, an intermediate in the glycolysis pathway . </P> <P> Glucose - 6 - phosphate can then progress through glycolysis . Glycolysis only requires the input of one molecule of ATP when the glucose originates in glycogen . Alternatively, glucose - 6 - phosphate can be converted back into glucose in the liver and the kidneys, allowing it to raise blood glucose levels if necessary . </P>

Describe how the liver processes carbohydrates to provide energy for the body