glýkógengranúlur

Glycogen granules are the storage form of glucose in animal cells. They are complex molecules made up of branched chains of glucose units. Glycogen is primarily stored in the liver and muscles, playing crucial roles in energy metabolism. Liver glycogen serves as a readily available source of glucose for the entire body, helping to maintain blood glucose levels between meals. Muscle glycogen, on the other hand, is primarily used to provide energy for muscle contraction during physical activity. The size and number of glycogen granules can vary depending on the cell's energy needs and metabolic state. They are visible under an electron microscope as dense particles within the cytoplasm. The synthesis and breakdown of glycogen are tightly regulated by hormones such as insulin and glucagon, ensuring that glucose is released or stored as needed. This process is essential for maintaining energy homeostasis within the body.