Final answer:
When the body has an excess of carbohydrates, they are stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles, or converted to fat in adipose tissue. Liver glycogen is crucial for blood glucose regulation, while muscle glycogen serves as an energy source during exercise. Excess energy storage in adipose tissue can lead to obesity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The storage and metabolism of nutrients, particularly carbohydrates, fats, and glycogen, in the body are essential processes in maintaining energy balance. When excess carbohydrates are present, the liver uses these to synthesize glycogen, a stored form of glucose. Glycogen is especially plentiful in liver and skeletal muscle cells. Adipose tissue, or fat cells, primarily store fats for later use. If glucose intake exceeds immediate energy needs, the excess is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles, or converted to fat and stored in adipose tissue. Dietary fats are similarly stored in adipose tissues as triglycerides. During periods of fasting, animals utilize these glycogen reserves for energy, converting glycogen back into glucose.
Liver glycogen plays a key role in regulating blood glucose levels, while muscle glycogen is a quick energy source during vigorous exercise. However, when energy intake exceeds expenditure, this can lead to an accumulation of adipose tissue, potentially resulting in obesity and associated health problems.