How do animals store glucose

Subject : Biology

Question:

How do animals store glucose?

Expert Verified Solution:

Animals store glucose primarily in the form of glycogen, which is a polysaccharide. Glycogen is a large, branched molecule composed of glucose units linked together. It is mainly stored in the liver and muscles.

Liver Glycogen: The liver stores glycogen to regulate blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels drop, such as between meals or during physical activity, the liver breaks down glycogen into glucose and releases it into the bloodstream to maintain a stable glucose level.

Muscle Glycogen: Muscles store glycogen for their own use. During physical exertion, muscles break down their stored glycogen into glucose, which is used as an immediate source of energy.

The ability to store glucose as glycogen allows animals to manage energy resources efficiently, ensuring that glucose is available when needed, whether for immediate use by muscles or for maintaining blood sugar levels.