Glycogen is a branched chain polymer of α-D-glucose units in whi...
Glucose. It serves as a form of energy storage in animals, including humans. Glycogen is mainly stored in the liver and muscles, where it can be broken down into glucose when energy is needed.
The structure of glycogen is highly branched and consists of many glucose molecules linked together. It is formed through a process called glycogenesis, in which glucose molecules are added to existing glycogen chains.
Glycogen is an important energy source during periods of fasting or exercise when glucose levels in the body are low. It can be rapidly broken down into glucose through a process called glycogenolysis, which occurs mainly in the liver.
Glycogen also plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels. When blood glucose levels are high, insulin stimulates the liver to convert excess glucose into glycogen for storage. This helps to lower blood glucose levels. On the other hand, when blood glucose levels are low, glucagon stimulates the liver to break down glycogen into glucose and release it into the bloodstream.
Overall, glycogen serves as an important energy reserve in the body and plays a crucial role in maintaining blood sugar levels.
Glycogen is a branched chain polymer of α-D-glucose units in whi...
Glycogen is a branched chain polymer of αD glucose units in which chain is formed by C
1−C
4 glycosidic linkage whereas branchin occurs by the formation of C
1−C
6 glycosidic linkage. Structure of glycogen can be shown below similar to the sturcture amplopectin.
