Final answer:
The core of a glycogen particle contains a protein called glycogenin, which is responsible for initiating glycogen synthesis. Glycogenin acts as the central scaffolding for the formation of glycogen, which is a highly branched structure consisting of glucose molecules.
Step-by-step explanation:
The core of a glycogen particle consists of a protein called glycogenin. Glycogenin acts as the central scaffolding for glycogen synthesis and is responsible for initiating the formation of glycogen by attaching glucose molecules together.
As glucose molecules are added to glycogenin, they form a highly branched structure, with many glucose molecules branching off from the main chain.
This branching allows for efficient storage and release of glucose as needed by the body.
Overall, glycogenin serves as the core protein around which glycogen is built, providing stability and structure to the glycogen particle.