Question

Choose one of the following terms to match the description given. a. aldohexose n. glycogen b. saliva o. glycoside linkage c. antibody p. hormone d. cellulose q. hydrophobic e. \(\mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) I. inhibition f. cysteine s. ketohexoses g. denaturation t. oxytocin h. disaccharides u. pleated sheet i. disulfide v. polypeptide j. DNA w. polysaccharides k. enzymes x. primary structure 1\. fibrous y. substrate m. globular z. sucrose animal polymer of glucose

Short answer

The correct term for the given description "animal polymer of glucose" is n. glycogen.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the terminology

To find the term that matches the description, we need to understand the meaning of "animal polymer of glucose." A polymer is a large molecule composed of many repeated subunits. In this case, the subunits are glucose molecules. Since the description mentions "animal," we're looking for a glucose polymer that is found in animals.

Review the list of terms

Now that we understand the description, let's review the list of terms to find the correct one: a. aldohexose b. saliva c. antibody d. cellulose e. CH2O f. cysteine g. denaturation h. disaccharides i. disulfide j. DNA k. enzymes l. fibrous m. globular n. glycogen o. glycoside linkage p. hormone q. hydrophobic r. inhibition s. ketohexoses t. oxytocin u. pleated sheet v. polypeptide w. polysaccharides x. primary structure y. substrate z. sucrose

Find the correct term

Upon reviewing the list of terms, we find that "n. glycogen" is the correct term that matches the description of an animal polymer of glucose. Glycogen is a polysaccharide in animals that works as a store of glucose, serving as a form of energy storage. So, the answer to the exercise is: n. glycogen.

Key concepts

Animal Polymer of Glucose

In the world of biochemistry, glycogen holds a special place as the primary "animal polymer of glucose." Glycogen is a large molecule, a type of polymer made up of numerous glucose units linked together. These glucose units are joined in a way that allows for dense packing and branching, which is essential for quick energy release when needed.
Animals, including humans, use glycogen as a way to store glucose in their bodies for periods when they need it the most, such as during physical activity or fasting.
The liver and muscles are the main sites of glycogen storage in the body. This helps maintain blood sugar levels and supply energy to muscles during exertion. When the body requires energy, it breaks down glycogen to release glucose.
This efficient storage and breakdown mechanism make glycogen a crucial component in managing energy supply in animals. Remember, while plants store a similar polymer known as starch, glycogen is exclusive to the animal kingdom.

Energy Storage

Energy storage is vital for all living organisms, and glycogen serves as a key player in this process for animals. When animals consume more glucose than necessary for immediate energy, their bodies convert that extra glucose into glycogen for future use.
This energy backup ensures that animals, including humans, have resources to draw from when they face a shortage of immediate energy. Glycogen acts like a reserve tank, allowing them to function efficiently without constant fuel intake.
This is particularly beneficial in animals because it balances varying energy needs and demands. During exercise or fasting, glycogen is broken down, releasing glucose into the bloodstream to meet energy requirements.

• Glycogen synthesis is triggered when the body has excess glucose.
• Glycogenolysis is the process of glycogen breakdown into glucose, providing energy.

This mechanism allows animals to have a steady energy release, making it possible to thrive in different environments and situations.

Polysaccharide

Glycogen, as an important form of a polysaccharide, is a complex carbohydrate made up of many glucose molecules. Polysaccharides are large, long-chain molecules made from more than ten monosaccharide units, and glycogen is a classic example.
Glycogen’s structure is highly branched, which distinguishes it from other polysaccharides. This branching is beneficial for quick mobilization of glucose, offering rapid release for energy.
Unlike simple sugars, which are digested and absorbed quickly, polysaccharides provide a longer-lasting energy reserve because they take more time to break down in the body.

• Functional aspect: Provides durability and rapid glucose availability.
• Structural aspect: Highly branched for quick energy access.

These features make polysaccharides like glycogen indispensable for energy management, adding longevity to the energy resources available to animals.