The branched polysaccharide glycogen represents the main storage form of glucose in the body. Glycogen granules are especially prominent in the cells of muscle and liver tissue. The processes of glycogen synthesis and glycogen degradation are important topics in MCAT preparation for several reasons. Firstly, the enzymatic processes are illustrative of several important general principles in biochemical mechanisms. Additionally, glycogen metabolism is mediated by hormonal control. It plays an important part in blood glucose regulation. This makes glycogen metabolism a favorite topic for the discussion of physiological and metabolic integration as well as signal transduction mechanisms.
Conceptual Vocabulary for Glycogen Metabolism