glycogen Flashcards
1
Q
what type of carbohydrate is glycogen?
A
a storage carbohydrate
2
Q
where is glycogen found?
A
in the cytoplasm of animal cells
3
Q
what is glycogen often referred to as? why?
A
animal starch due to the similarities in structure and function between the two molecules
4
Q
what is the structure of glycogen?
A
- polymer of α glucose
- similar to starch but with more branches (free ends)
5
Q
what is the benefit of the branches (free ends)?
A
they mean that glycogen can be hydrolysed rapidly to release glucose for respiration
6
Q
what are two properties of glycogen that make it an ideal storage molecule?
A
it’s insoluble and osmotically inactive
7
Q
where is glycogen stored?
A
stored in large amounts in the liver and muscles tissues
