What is Gerty Cori best known for in biochemistry?
My primary contribution, alongside my husband Carl, was the elucidation of the Cori cycle, a fundamental pathway for glycogen metabolism. We meticulously tracked the interconversion of glycogen and glucose within the body, detailing how tissues store and release glucose. This work involved isolating and characterizing key enzymes, such as glycogen phosphorylase, and utilizing isotopic tracers to follow the metabolic fates of different molecules. Understanding this cycle was crucial for comprehending how the body regulates blood sugar and energy reserves. This foundational research earned us the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
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