GLYCOGEN

Question 1

WHAT IS GLYCOGEN?

Answer 1

• A LARGE, BRANCHED POLYSACCHARIDE
• THE MAIN STORAGE FORM OF GLUCOSE IN ANIMALS

Question 2

WHAT IS GLYCOGEN MADE UP FROM?

Answer 2

• MANY ALPHA GLUCOSE MOLECULES, JOINED BY GLYCOSIDIC BONDS
• C1-C4 BONDS = LONG CHAINS
• C1-C6 BONDS = BRANCHES

Question 3

WHAT IS GLYCOGEN’S STRUCTURE LIKE?

Answer 3

• SIMILAR TO AMYLOPECTIN
• MORE SIDE BRANCHES = EASIER TO HYDROLYSE GLYCOSIDIC BONDS + RELEASE GLUCOSE

Question 4

WHAT IS GLYCOGEN GOOD FOR?

Answer 4

• ENERGY
• GLUCOSE RELEASE
• STORING LARGE AMOUNTS OF GLUCOSE IN A SMALL SPACE (COMPACT)