Glycogen and starch are formed by the condensation of α-glucose
Both starch and glycogen are large energy-storage molecules. Cells build them by linking many α-glucose sugar units together, releasing water each time two units join.
Real World
A marathon runner's muscles deplete glycogen stores after roughly 90 minutes — elite athletes like Eliud Kipchoge train their bodies to spare glycogen by burning fat earlier.
Exam Focus
Specify the bond type (α-1,4 and α-1,6 glycosidic bonds) when explaining branching in glycogen or amylopectin — generic answers lose marks.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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