Answer:
At least four glucose residues separate α‑1,6 linkages.
The number of sites for enzyme action on a glycogen molecule is increased through α‑1,6 linkages.
The reaction that forms α-1,6 linkages is catalyzed by a branching enzyme.
Step-by-step explanation:
Glycogen is a polymer of glucose and is the primary carbohydrate storage form in animals. The polymer is composed of glucose units linked in alpha(1-4) straight chains and alpha(1-6) branches which occur on average every 8-12 straight chain glucose residues. It has a reducing and non-reducing end. The end of the molecule containing a free carbon number one on glucose is called a reducing end. The other ends are all called non-reducing ends.
During the breakdown of glycogen, glucose units are removed one at a time from the non-reducing end until a point about four glucose residues away from a branch which will require a debranching enzyme to act for further breakdown to occur. Since many such branches occur in a glycogen molecule, it makes it possible for breakdown of glycogen to occur at many points speedily.
Glycogen branching enzyme is required to make alpha (1-6) glycosidic bonds. It transfers 6 to 7 glucose units from the non-reducing end of a straight chain glycogen molecule to an interior position of the same or another glycogen molecule forming alpha (1-6) bonds.