Glycogen

INTRODUCTION

CARBOHYDRATES : Biological molecules consisting of Carbon, Hydrogen & Oxygen

Also known as SACHHARIDES Types : 1. Monosachharides2. Disachharides3. Oligosachharides4. Polysachharides

What is Glycogen?

Glycogen is a polysaccharide with general formula (C6H10O5)n which acts as a storage form in animals and human being just like starch in plants. 

It composed 1,700-600,000 units of glucose which is a monosaccharide.

 It is synthesized, stored primarily in the liver and muscle tissue and readily converted to glucose to provide energy during heavy work. It also stored in the cytosol in the form of small granules. Glycogen generally stored with water in 1:3 ratio.

- In hepatocytes (A hepatocyte is a cell of the main parenchymal tissue of the liver) glycogen is found in large granules which are themselves clusters of smaller granules composed of single highly branched glycogen molecules. - Such granules also contain enzymes responsible for synthesis & degradation of glycogen

Glycogen 3D srtucture

Structure

GLYCOGEN SYNTHESIS

(Glycogenesis)

Functions

Glycogen is stored in liver and muscles and acts as storage sites. For all the normal movement and functions, energy is first provided

by glucose contained in the bloodstream. The excess glucose is stored in the form of glycogen in storage sites. Glycogen helps to maintain homeostasis. Maintains blood glucose level. In muscles synthesis & breakdown of glycogen is regulated to meet

the energy requirements of the muscle cells.

References

Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry - Albert Lester Lehninger http://chemistry.tutorvista.com/organic-chemistry/glycogen.html#top