Glycogen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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glycogen
[หษกlaษช.kษ.dสษn ]
Definition
biochemistry, metabolism
Glycogen is a multi-branched polysaccharide that serves as a form of energy storage in animals and fungi. It is primarily stored in the liver and muscle cells, and is composed of glucose units linked together. When energy is needed, glycogen is broken down into glucose through a process called glycogenolysis.
Synonyms
animal starch, glycogenin.
Examples of usage
- The body converts excess glucose into glycogen.
- During intense exercise, your body relies on glycogen stores for energy.
- Glycogen is critical for athletic performance in endurance sports.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Biology
- Glycogen is primarily stored in the liver and muscles, serving as a crucial energy reserve for physical activity.
- When your body needs energy, glycogen is broken down into glucose and released into the bloodstream.
- It acts like a sponge, soaking up glucose and releasing it when necessary, especially during exercise.
Nutrition
- Foods rich in carbohydrates like bread, pasta, and fruits can help replenish glycogen stores.
- Athletes often focus on glycogen levels before competitions, as higher reserves can enhance performance.
- After intense workouts, consuming carbs can help rebuild glycogen stores quickly.
Health
- Low glycogen levels can lead to fatigue and reduced exercise performance, making it essential for athletes.
- Conditions like diabetes can affect how glycogen is utilized in the body, impacting energy levels.
- Understanding glycogen's role helps in managing diet and exercise for better overall health.
Science
- Glycogen is a polysaccharide, meaning it is made up of many sugar molecules linked together.
- It is the most common form of stored carbohydrates in animals, while plants primarily store energy as starch.
- Research continues to uncover how glycogen metabolism affects various bodily functions, including brain health.
Origin of 'glycogen'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'glycogen' comes from the Greek word 'glykys', meaning 'sweet', and 'genes', meaning 'producing'.
- It was first discovered in the 1850s, highlighting our growing understanding of how the body uses energy.
- The term reflects its sweet nature as it is made from glucose molecules.
The word 'glycogen' comes from the French term 'glycogรจne', coined in the mid-19th century. The prefix 'glyco-' is derived from the Greek word 'glykys', meaning 'sweet', reflecting its relationship with glucose. The suffix '-gen' refers to 'to produce' or 'to generate'. The recognition of glycogen's structure and its vital role in metabolism evolved alongside advances in chemistry and physiology. It was first identified as a form of carbohydrate in the 1850s by scientists studying animal tissues. Glycogen storage diseases have since been studied extensively, revealing the importance of glycogen in maintaining energy homeostasis in the body.