Glycogen Synthesis

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to glycogen synthesis and regulation.

Glycogen

A branched polymer of α(1→4)-linked glucose with α(1→6) linkages.

Glycogen Synthase

The enzyme responsible for adding glucose units to growing glycogen chains, forming α-1,4 glycosidic bonds.

UDP-glucose

The activated form of glucose that serves as the substrate for glycogen synthesis.

Glycogenin

A small protein that acts as a primer for glycogen synthesis.

Glycogen Branching Enzyme

An enzyme that introduces α-1,6 linkages, creating branches in glycogen.

Glucose-1-phosphate

A substrate converted to UDP-glucose for glycogen synthesis.

Pyrophosphorylase Reaction

The reaction that converts glucose-1-phosphate and UTP to UDP-glucose and pyrophosphate.

Glycogen Storage Sites

Major sites for glycogen storage are in the liver and muscle.

Insulin

A hormone that stimulates glycogen synthesis by activating glycogen synthase.

Branches in Glycogen

Formed by the glycogen-branching enzyme, allowing for efficient storage and mobilization.

Nonreducing Ends

The ends of glycogen chains where further glucose units can be added.

Phosphoglucomutase

An enzyme that catalyzes the reversible reaction between glucose-1-phosphate and glucose-6-phosphate.

Regulation of Glycogen Synthesis

Controlled by insulin and protein phosphatase 1, affecting the activity of glycogen synthase.