Apentix/AP Biology/Unit 1: Chemistry of Life/Question
AP Biologymediummcq1 pt

Starch and glycogen are both storage polysaccharides assembled from glucose. Which statement correctly contrasts them?

A.Starch serves as the main energy reserve in animal cells, while glycogen plays that role in plants.
B.Glycogen is more densely branched than starch, exposing many ends for rapid glucose release.
C.Glycogen uses beta linkages that only plant enzymes can digest.
D.Glycogen contains fructose subunits, giving it a sweeter taste than starch.

Explanation

Core Concept

Glycogen is more highly branched than starch, creating many chain ends from which glucose units can be mobilized rapidly. Animals store glycogen especially in liver and skeletal muscle: liver glycogen helps maintain blood glucose, whereas muscle glycogen is used primarily within muscle cells to support contraction. Starch is the major glucose-storage polysaccharide of plants.

Correct Answer

BGlycogen is more densely branched than starch, exposing many ends for rapid glucose release.

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