Glycogen serves primarily as a storage polysaccharide in animals. What is its main role?

• A. Signaling
• B. Energy
• C. Storage
• D. Replication

Answer: (C)

Glycogen is a highly branched polymer of glucose that animals store for quick access. Its main role is to store glucose so it can be rapidly mobilized to meet energy needs. In the liver, glycogen helps maintain blood glucose between meals, while in muscle it provides a ready local source of glucose during contraction. It isn’t a signaling molecule and isn’t involved in replication. While breaking glycogen releases energy, the essential function is to store glucose in a readily usable form.