Main Entry: Co·ri cycle

Pronunciation: \ˈkōr-ē-, ˈkȯr-\

Function: noun

: the cycle in carbohydrate metabolism consisting of the conversion of glycogen to lactic acid in muscle, diffusion of the lactic acid into the bloodstream which carries it to the liver where it is converted into glycogen, and the breakdown of liver glycogen to glucose which is transported to muscle by the bloodstream and reconverted into glycogen

Cori, Carl Ferdinand (1896–1984), and Gerty Theresa (1896–1957), American biochemists. In 1936 the Coris discovered the activated intermediate glucose-1-phosphate that is often called the Cori ester. In 1942 they isolated and purified the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the conversion of glycogen to glucose-1-phosphate. In 1943 they achieved the test-tube synthesis of glycogen. Proof of the glucose-glycogen interconversion allowed them to formulate what is now known as the Cori cycle. Their discoveries led to a new understanding of hormonal influence on the interconversion of sugar and starches in the animal organism. In 1947, the Coris were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine.