Glycogen
Definition
Glycogen is a polysaccharide that serves as the primary form of energy storage in animals and fungi. It's similar to starch but has more extensive branching.
Analogy
If starch is like a standard battery pack, glycogen is like a high-capacity power bank. It stores more energy for when it's needed most, just like how a power bank holds more charge than a regular battery.
Related terms
Glucose: The basic unit that makes up glycogen; it can be compared to the individual energy units stored in your power bank.
Glycogenesis: This is the process of glycogen synthesis, where glucose molecules are added to chains of glycogen for storage.
Glycogenolysis: This is the process of breaking down glycogen into glucose to provide immediate energy, much like using up the charge from your power bank when you need it.
"Glycogen" appears in:
Study guides (6)
Practice Questions (1)
- When the pancreas releases insulin, the liver receives the signal. As a result, the liver begins to collect glucose and covert it into the polysaccharide "glycogen." This is an example of __.
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