Glycogen

Definition

Glycogen is a multi-branched polysaccharide of glucose that serves as a form of energy storage in animals and humans. It is primarily stored in the liver and muscles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Glycogen is crucial for maintaining blood sugar levels during fasting periods.
2. The liver stores approximately 100 grams of glycogen, which it uses to regulate blood glucose levels.
3. Muscle glycogen supplies energy during high-intensity physical activities.
4. Glycogenesis is the process of forming glycogen from glucose, primarily occurring after meals.
5. Glycogenolysis is the breakdown of glycogen into glucose, providing an immediate energy source.

Review Questions

• What are the primary storage sites for glycogen in the human body?
• Describe the role of glycogenesis and when it occurs.
• How does muscle glycogen differ from liver glycogen in terms of its function?

Related terms

Glucose:

A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and a component of many carbohydrates.

Glycogenesis:

The metabolic process by which glucose is converted into glycogen for storage in the liver and muscles.

Glycogenolysis:

The metabolic pathway through which glycogen is broken down into glucose to provide immediate energy.