glükogeenis

Glükogeenis is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in animals and fungi. It serves as the primary short-term energy storage form of glucose in the body, analogous to starch in plants. Glükogeenis is composed of glucose units linked together by glycosidic bonds, forming a highly branched structure. This branching is crucial for efficient storage and rapid release of glucose when energy is needed.

In humans and other animals, glükogeenis is primarily stored in the liver and muscles. Liver glükogeenis plays a vital role in maintaining blood glucose homeostasis. When blood sugar levels drop, the liver breaks down glükogeenis into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream to be used by other tissues. Muscle glükogeenis, on the other hand, is reserved for the energy demands of the muscle itself during physical activity.

The synthesis of glükogeenis from glucose is called glycogenesis, and it is regulated by hormones such as insulin. Conversely, the breakdown of glükogeenis back into glucose is known as glycogenolysis, and it is stimulated by hormones like glucagon and epinephrine. Disruptions in glükogeenis metabolism can lead to various metabolic disorders, collectively known as glycogen storage diseases. These conditions affect the body's ability to store or utilize glükogeenis, resulting in a range of symptoms depending on the specific enzyme deficiency.