What happens when glucose molecules are added to the glycogen chain?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the biochemical process that occurs when glucose molecules are incorporated into a glycogen chain, specifically focusing on the effects of this addition and how it influences glucose availability and glycogen structure.
Answer
Glucose molecules are added to glycogen chains by glycogen synthase, forming α(1→4) linkages; branching enzymes later create α(1→6) branches.
When glucose molecules are added to a glycogen chain, they are initially added in a linear fashion by glycogen synthase using UDP-glucose, forming α(1→4) linkages. Once the chain reaches about 11 glucose residues, branching enzymes create α(1→6) linkages to form a branched structure. This process aids in efficient energy storage and retrieval.
Answer for screen readers
When glucose molecules are added to a glycogen chain, they are initially added in a linear fashion by glycogen synthase using UDP-glucose, forming α(1→4) linkages. Once the chain reaches about 11 glucose residues, branching enzymes create α(1→6) linkages to form a branched structure. This process aids in efficient energy storage and retrieval.
More Information
Glycogen is a highly branched polymer of glucose, and its synthesis allows for rapid metabolism when energy is required, due to the action of enzymes on the non-reducing ends of the molecule.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming glucose molecules are linked linearly without branches; branches enable faster degradation and synthesis.
Sources
- Biochemistry, Glycogen - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Glycogen Synthesis - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
- Glycogenesis - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
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