glycogen: basics and storage (1)

what is glycogen

A: Glycogen is a polysaccharide made of many glucose molecules joined together. It is the body's short-term carbohydrate energy reserve.

Q: Where is glycogen primarily stored?

A: In skeletal muscle and the liver, with very small amounts stored in other tissues, such as the kidneys.

Q: What is the primary purpose of muscle glycogen?

provide glucose for ATP production to support muscle contraction

Q: What is the primary purpose of liver glycogen?

A: To help maintain blood glucose levels by breaking down glycogen and releasing glucose into the bloodstream.

Q: Approximately what percentage of the body's glycogen stores are in muscle?

80% —> 1600 cals

Q: Approximately what percentage of the body's glycogen stores are in the liver?

20%

Q: Why is glycogen useful as an energy reserve?

A: It can be broken down quickly when the body needs glucose for energy.

Q: What is glycogenesis?

A: The synthesis or creation of glycogen from glucose.

Q: Is glycogenesis anabolic or catabolic?

A: Anabolic, because it builds a larger molecule from smaller glucose molecules.

Q: Is glycogenesis endergonic or exergonic?

A: Endergonic; it requires an energy input.

Q: What is the difference between glycogen and glycogenesis?

A: Glycogen is the stored carbohydrate; glycogenesis is the process of making glycogen.