Glycogen (polysaccharides) is the storage form of glucose in animals and humans which is equivalent to the starch found in plants. Plants make starch and cellulose through photosynthesis and then animals and humans consume the plants. Digestion is a process of hydrolysis where the starch is broken down into the various monosaccharides such as fructose, galactose and glucose.
Glucose can be used immediately for metabolism to make energy. The glucose that is not used immediately is converted in the liver and muscles into glycogen for storage by the process of glycogenesis. Any glucose in excess of the needs for energy and storage is converted to fat.
Polysaccharides are carbohydrate polymers consisting of tens to hundreds to several thousand monosaccharide units. All of the common polysaccharides contain glucose as the monosaccharide unit. Polysaccharides are synthesised by plants, animals and humans to be stored for food, structural support or metabolised for energy.
Related subjects
Join our mailing list to receive your monthly emailed newsletter with all the latest scientific findings for natural health remedies.