How does glycogen act as a source of energy?

Glycogen is an energy storage molecule found in animal cells. It can be found in many different animal cells but is more prevalent in cells with a higher metabolic rate (those which use more energy), such as muscle cells. Glycogen is a polysaccharide which means that is is is composed of many monosaccharides joined by glycosidic bonds. In the case of glycogen, the monosaccharide of which it is composed is alpha-glucose. For this reason we call the glycosidic bonds in glycogen alpha-glycosidic bonds. These alpha-glycosidic bonds can be hydrolysed by enzymes to release individual glucose monomers which can then be used in respiration to generate energy in the form of ATP. Glycogen is also a branched polysaccharide, which means that it has multiple ends upon which hydrolase enzymes can act. This means that glycogen can be rapidly hydrolysed to release many glucose monomers in a short period of time, and thus lead to the rapid generation of ATP.

HP
Answered by Henry P. Biology tutor

11660 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

(Substrate) is hydrolysed by (Enzyme). Explain why (Enzyme) catalyses only this reaction. (3 Marks)


How do the components of a plasma membrane affect the movement of substances into and out of a cell, and why is this regulation important?


Give two features of DNA and explain how each one is important in the semi-conservative replication of DNA.


Describe and explain the series of events leading to excitatory post synaptic stimulation upon the activation of a pacinian corpuscle.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences