Why is glucose stored as glycogen in the liver and muscle?

In summary, the human body stores glucose as glycogen in muscle and liver due to its insolubility, which prevents osmotic pressure changes that could cause cell lysis. Additionally, glycogen is a more efficient form of glucose for degradation, and storing glucose as glycogen allows for a more controlled release of glucose when needed. Glucose is also relatively unstable and its ring form can limit its accessibility for breakdown.
  • #1
MinaGhobrial
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Homework Statement



Why does the human body spend two high energy phosphate bonds to store glucose as glycogen in muscle and liver, and not just as glucose? What is the advantage in using energy to polymerize the glucose molecule?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Why is glucose stored as glycogen in muscle and liver, and not just as glucose?

Below are some theories I proposed please correct me if I am wrong.

Glycogen is insoluble thus, storing it as glycogen will not upset the osmotic pressure rather than glucose which is soluble in water and if it is stored as glucose it will disturb the osmotic pressure(hypertonic) that will cause the cell to lyse.

Glycogen is a polymerized form of sugar with alpha 1,4 and alpha 1,6 that enables that can be degraded efficiently rather than free floating glucose. with that in mind wouldn't it be as efficient if glucose is stored in the liver and shipped to the desired destination if it is possible to store it in the cell without disturbing the osmotic pressure?

Glucose is unstable and forms a ring which maturate with a predominance of beta anomers which is favored structure but also, the cell would have a alpha glucose that is unable to undergo glycolysis and it wouldn't be accessible when it is needed for breakdown.
 
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  • #2
MinaGhobrial said:

Homework Statement



Why does the human body spend two high energy phosphate bonds to store glucose as glycogen in muscle and liver, and not just as glucose? What is the advantage in using energy to polymerize the glucose molecule?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Why is glucose stored as glycogen in muscle and liver, and not just as glucose?

Below are some theories I proposed please correct me if I am wrong.

Glycogen is insoluble thus, storing it as glycogen will not upset the osmotic pressure rather than glucose which is soluble in water and if it is stored as glucose it will disturb the osmotic pressure(hypertonic) that will cause the cell to lyse.

This is the primary reason.

Glycogen is a polymerized form of sugar with alpha 1,4 and alpha 1,6 that enables that can be degraded efficiently rather than free floating glucose. with that in mind wouldn't it be as efficient if glucose is stored in the liver and shipped to the desired destination if it is possible to store it in the cell without disturbing the osmotic pressure?

Glucose is unstable and forms a ring which maturate with a predominance of beta anomers which is favored structure but also, the cell would have an alpha glucose that is unable to undergo glycolysis and it wouldn't be accessible when it is needed for breakdown.

Unstable is a relative term but Glucose is pretty damn stable. You can store glucose for years on your shelf without any degradation.
 

1. Why is glucose stored as glycogen in the liver and muscle?

Glucose is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscle because it allows for quick and efficient energy storage and release. Glycogen is a highly branched polysaccharide that can be broken down into glucose molecules when the body needs energy. This storage form of glucose also helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

2. How does the body convert glucose into glycogen?

When glucose levels in the blood are high, the hormone insulin signals the liver and muscle cells to take up glucose and convert it into glycogen through a process called glycogenesis. This involves combining multiple glucose molecules together to form a long chain of glycogen molecules.

3. Why is the liver a major site for glycogen storage?

The liver is a major site for glycogen storage because it plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are high, the liver converts excess glucose into glycogen for storage. When blood sugar levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen and releases glucose into the bloodstream to maintain a steady supply of energy for the body.

4. Why is glycogen stored in muscle cells?

Glycogen is stored in muscle cells because muscles need a constant supply of energy to function, especially during physical activity. The glycogen stored in muscle cells can be broken down into glucose and used as a source of energy for muscle contractions.

5. How is glycogen stored in the liver and muscle different?

The way glycogen is stored in the liver and muscle differs in terms of quantity and function. The liver stores a larger amount of glycogen, which is broken down and released into the bloodstream to maintain blood sugar levels. Muscle cells store smaller amounts of glycogen for immediate use as energy during physical activity.

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