Question

Glucose is stored in animals in the form of _______

• A. Glycogen
• B. Starch
• C. Amylopectin
• D. Waxes

Hint:

Animal glucose storage = Glycogen (stored in liver & muscles).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Glucose is a primary energy source for animals, but it is not stored in its free form in large quantities due to osmotic and metabolic issues. Instead, it is stored as a more complex molecule. Let's evaluate the options to determine how glucose is stored in animals.

Glycogen

Glycogen is a polysaccharide composed of many glucose units linked together. It is the primary storage form of glucose in animals, stored mainly in the liver and muscles, where it can be quickly broken down to release glucose for energy needs.

Starch

Starch is a polysaccharide used by plants to store glucose. It is composed of amylose and amylopectin and is not used by animals for glucose storage.

Amylopectin

Amylopectin is a branched component of starch found in plants. While it is structurally similar to glycogen, it is not used by animals for glucose storage.

Waxes

Waxes are lipids composed of long-chain fatty acids and alcohols, used primarily for structural or protective purposes (e.g., in skin or feathers). They are not involved in glucose storage.

Why Glycogen is the Correct Answer

Glycogen is the primary storage form of glucose in animals because:

• It is a highly branched polysaccharide that allows rapid glucose release when energy is needed.
• It is stored in the liver and muscles, regulated by hormones like insulin and glucagon.
• It is compact and does not disrupt cellular osmotic balance, unlike free glucose.

Comparison of Options

Substance	Chemical Nature	Storage Role	Found In
Glycogen	Branched polysaccharide	Glucose storage	Animals (liver, muscles)
Starch	Polysaccharide (amylose + amylopectin)	Glucose storage	Plants
Amylopectin	Branched polysaccharide	Component of starch	Plants
Waxes	Lipids	Structural/protective	Animals, plants

Practical Examples

• Glycogen in action: During exercise, muscle glycogen is broken down to provide glucose for energy.
• Regulation: The liver releases glucose from glycogen stores to maintain blood sugar levels during fasting.
• Contrast with plants: Plants store glucose as starch in roots, tubers, or seeds, unlike animals.

Final Answer

Glucose is stored in animals in the form of Glycogen.