Question

In humans, glycogen is a more useful food storage molecule than fat because

(A) a gram of glycogen produces more energy than a gram of fat
(B) it can be utilized to produce ATP under anaerobic conditions, whereas fat cannot
(C) it does not hind large amounts of water
(D) for the same umown of energy storage, glycogen inzupies less space in a cell than does fat

Answer 1

Glycogen is a more useful food storage molecule than fat for humans because it can produce ATP under anaerobic conditions and plays a critical role in maintaining blood glucose levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

In humans, glycogen is a more useful food storage molecule than fat because it can be utilized to produce ATP under anaerobic conditions, whereas fat cannot. Glycogen is a polysaccharide made up of glucose monomers and is the main storage form of glucose in the human body. It is primarily made and stored in the liver and muscle cells. When energy is needed, glycogen can be quickly broken down to glucose, which can then be used to produce ATP.

Glycogenolysis is the process by which glycogen is broken down to release glucose into the bloodstream, an essential function during periods of fasting or strenuous exercise. Unlike fat, which requires oxygen to be metabolized, glycogen can be converted to energy even in the absence of oxygen, providing ATP for the body's immediate energy needs.

Additionally, glycogen plays a critical role in the homeostasis of blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels are too high, excess glucose can be stored as glycogen, and when levels are low, glycogen can be converted back to glucose to maintain a stable glucose level in the blood.