Final answer:
Excess glucose in the bloodstream is initially converted to glycogen for storage in liver and muscle cells. If glycogen stores are full, glucose is subsequently converted into fatty acids which are stored in adipose tissue cells as long-term energy reserves.
Step-by-step explanation:
Excess glucose in the bloodstream is converted to glycogen when stored in liver and muscle cells. When glycogen stores are full, additional glucose is converted into fatty acids for storage in adipose tissue cells.
In the biological process of glucose regulation and storage, excess carbohydrate and ATP are utilized by the liver to form glycogen through a pathway involving glucose-6-phosphate. This glycogen serves as an energy reserve that can be quickly mobilized when blood glucose levels decrease.
During periods when the body has abundant glucose and glycogen stores reach their capacity, the excess glucose is then directed towards the synthesis of fatty acids. These fatty acids are subsequently stored in adipose cells, the fat cells designed to stockpile fat as long-term energy. Adipose tissue is essential for maintaining energy balance and serves as a buffer against energy excess.