Question

Review glycogen

1. Describe the glycogen polymer based on the glycosidic linkages
2. Describe a non-reducing end based on the glucose monomers that make up a branch of glycogen
3. Describe how nonreducing ends increase as the branching of the glycogen polymer increase

Answer 1

Glycogen is a readily mobilized storage form of glucose. It is a very large, branched polymer of glucose residues that can be broken down to yield glucose molecules when energy is needed. Most of the glucose residues in glycogen are linked by α-1,4-glycosidic bonds.

The end of the molecule containing a free carbon number one on glucose is called a reducing end.

The other ends are all called non-reducing ends. Since glycogen is broken down from the "ends" of the molecule, more branches translate to more ends and more glucose that can be released at once.