Concept: Animals and plants store excess glucose in the form of large, insoluble polysaccharides to provide energy during periods of fasting.
• Glycogen: Known as "animal starch," it is a highly branched polymer of glucose stored mainly in the liver and muscles.
• Structure: It is structurally similar to amylopectin but much more extensively branched.
• Starch: This is the equivalent storage molecule in plants.
Step 1: Evaluate the roles of the listed carbohydrates.
- Glucose (D) and Fructose (E) are monosaccharides used for immediate energy.
- Sucrose (A) and Maltose (C) are disaccharides used for transport or quick energy release.
- Glycogen (B) is the primary long-term storage polysaccharide in the animal body.
Step 2: Conclusion.
When the body needs energy, enzymes break down glycogen back into glucose. This makes Glycogen the correct storage molecule.