Question

A polysaccharide that is commonly found in animal cells and stores energy is a. glucose. b. sucrose. c. glycogen. d. starch. e. cellulose.

Short answer

The correct answer is c. glycogen.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

In this exercise, it is asked to identify which of the presented polysaccharides is the main energy storage in animal cells. So, the aim is to remember and recognize the correct polysaccharide from the list provided.

Evaluating the Options

Considering the options given: a. Glucose is a simple sugar, not a polysaccharide.b. Sucrose is a disaccharide, not a polysaccharide.c. Glycogen is a complex carbohydrate, a polysaccharide, that stores energy in animals.d. Starch is a polysaccharide, but it stores energy in plants, not animals.e. Cellulose is also a polysaccharide, but it forms the plant cell walls and does not store energy.

Choosing the Correct Answer

According to the evaluations from step 2, the correct answer is glycogen, as it is the main energy storage in animal cells.

Key concepts

Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are long chains of carbohydrates. These large molecules are made up of many smaller sugar units linked together. They play a variety of roles in nature. Some of them offer structural support, while others are important for storing energy. Glycogen, starch, and cellulose are common examples of polysaccharides.

• Glycogen: Found in animals, especially in liver and muscle cells. It's used to store energy.
• Starch: This polysaccharide is mainly found in plants and acts as their energy reserve.
• Cellulose: Gives structure to plant cell walls. Unlike glycogen or starch, it isn't an energy store.

Different polysaccharides have different functions. Their structure determines these roles and how they help organisms thrive. This variety makes polysaccharides crucial for both plant and animal life.

Energy Storage

In biological systems, storing energy efficiently and effectively is essential for survival. Animals have a unique way of storing energy in the form of glycogen. Glycogen is a highly branched polysaccharide. This complex carbohydrate is stored in the liver and muscles of animals. When energy is required, glycogen can be rapidly broken down into glucose.

• Quick Release: The branched structure of glycogen allows for quick energy release.
• Compact Form: Glycogen’s structure allows it to be stored in a compact form, maximizing storage capacity.
• Energy On-Demand: When blood sugar levels drop, glycogen is converted back into glucose to maintain energy balance.

This efficient storage system ensures animals have a readily available energy source, important for activities such as movement and maintaining body temperature.

Animal Cells

Animal cells have unique features that distinguish them from plant cells. They play a critical role in storing and utilizing energy through the polysaccharide glycogen. Unlike plant cells, animal cells don't have cell walls. This makes them flexible and allows a variety of cell shapes.

• Liver and Muscle Cells: These are key sites for glycogen storage.
• Cell Membrane: This protective barrier helps regulate what enters and leaves the cell, maintaining the internal environment optimally.
• Mitochondria: Known as the powerhouse of the cell, where energy is produced from glucose.

Animal cells' adaptability and functions make them vital for performing essential life processes. Their ability to store glycogen efficiently helps provide energy during periods of activity.