Structure , synthesis and functions

1. Glycogen

2. INTRODUCTION
 CARBOHYDRATES : Biological molecules consisting of Carbon, Hydrogen &
Oxygen
 Also known as SACHHARIDES
 Types :
1. Monosachharides
2. Disachharides
3. Oligosachharides
4. Polysachharides

3. What is Glycogen?
 Glycogen is a polysaccharide with general formula (C6H10O5)n which
acts as a storage form in animals and human being just like starch in
plants.
 It composed 1,700-600,000 units of glucose which is a
monosaccharide.
 It is synthesized, stored primarily in the liver and muscle tissue and
readily converted to glucose to provide energy during heavy work. It
also stored in the cytosol in the form of small granules. Glycogen
generally stored with water in 1:3 ratio.

4.  - In hepatocytes (A hepatocyte is a cell of the
main parenchymal tissue of the liver) glycogen is found in large
granules which are themselves clusters of smaller granules
composed of single highly branched glycogen molecules.
- Such granules also contain enzymes responsible for synthesis &
degradation of glycogen
Glycogen 3D srtucture

5. Structure

6. GLYCOGEN SYNTHESIS
(Glycogenesis)

8. Functions
 Glycogen is stored in liver and muscles and acts as storage sites.
 For all the normal movement and functions, energy is first provided by
glucose contained in the bloodstream.
 The excess glucose is stored in the form of glycogen in storage sites.
 Glycogen helps to maintain homeostasis.
 Maintains blood glucose level.
 In muscles synthesis & breakdown of glycogen is regulated to meet the energy
requirements of the muscle cells.

9. References
 Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry - Albert Lester Lehninger
 http://chemistry.tutorvista.com/organic-chemistry/glycogen.html#top