Glycogen | Carbohydrate, Metabolism, Storage (original) (raw)

biochemistry

_verified_Cite

While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.

Select Citation Style

Feedback

Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).

Feedback Type

Your Feedback

Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites

• Healthline - What is Glycogen and Why Does This Matter for Your Health?
• Verywell Health - What is Glycogen?
• National Center for Biotechnology Information - Glycogen
• Cell - The importance of glycogen molecular structure for blood glucose control
• Biology LibreTexts - Glycogen Synthesis
• Cleveland Clinic - Glycogen
• WebMD - What Is Glycogen?

Print

_verified_Cite

While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.

Select Citation Style

Feedback

Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).

Feedback Type

Your Feedback

Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites

• Healthline - What is Glycogen and Why Does This Matter for Your Health?
• Verywell Health - What is Glycogen?
• National Center for Biotechnology Information - Glycogen
• Cell - The importance of glycogen molecular structure for blood glucose control
• Biology LibreTexts - Glycogen Synthesis
• Cleveland Clinic - Glycogen
• WebMD - What Is Glycogen?

Written and fact-checked by

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2024• Article History

Key People:

Claude Bernard

Related Topics:

glycogen storage disease

glycogenolysis

von Gierke’s disease

Andersen’s disease

Pompe’s disease

See all related content →

glycogen, white, amorphous, tasteless polysaccharide (C6H1005)n. It is the principal form in which carbohydrate is stored in higher animals, occurring primarily in the liver and muscles. It also is found in various species of microorganisms—e.g., bacteria and fungi, including yeasts. Glycogen serves as an energy reservoir, being broken down to glucose when needed.