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

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SUMMARY

The human body stores glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscle due to several critical advantages. Glycogen is insoluble, preventing osmotic pressure disturbances that would occur if glucose were stored in its free form, which could lead to cell lysis. Additionally, glycogen's polymerized structure, featuring alpha 1,4 and alpha 1,6 linkages, allows for efficient degradation compared to free-floating glucose. The energy expenditure of two high-energy phosphate bonds during the polymerization process is justified by these benefits, including stability and accessibility for metabolic processes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of glycogen structure and function
  • Knowledge of osmotic pressure principles
  • Familiarity with glucose metabolism and glycolysis
  • Basic biochemistry concepts related to polymerization
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the biochemical pathways of glycogen synthesis and degradation
  • Study the role of glycogen in energy metabolism and its regulation
  • Explore the implications of osmotic pressure in cellular biology
  • Learn about the structural differences between alpha and beta glucose anomers
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Students studying biochemistry, healthcare professionals interested in metabolic processes, and anyone seeking to understand the physiological significance of glycogen storage in the human body.

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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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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.
 

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