GLYCOGEN

Chemical properties

White to off-white powder

The Uses of GLYCOGEN

glycogen is a skin-conditioning agent. It is a high molecular-weight polymer distributed through the cell protoplasm.

The Uses of GLYCOGEN

An inert carrier which significantly increases the efficiency of extracted DNA and RNA by ethanol precipitation.

The Uses of GLYCOGEN

• Glycogen from rabbit liver has been use as a standard for measurement of the hepatic glycogen content.
• In the1,4-α-D gIucan:orthophosphate α-glucosyl transferase assay, it has been used in the assay mixture.
• It has also been used as a standard for myocardial tissue glycogen analysis.

What are the applications of Application

Glycogen is an inert carrier which significantly increases the efficiency of extracted DNA and RNA by ethanol precipitation.

Definition

A glycose polysaccharide, the storage carbohydrate of the animal organism, found especially in the liver and rested muscle.

Definition

A polysaccharide that is the main carbohydrate store of animals. It is composed of many glucose units linked in a similar way to starch. Glycogen is readily hydrolyzed in a stepwise manner to glucose itself. It is stored largely in the liver and in muscle but is found widely distributed in the body.

General Description

Glycogen is a branched polymer of glucose synthesized by animal cells for energy storage and release. It is constructed of predominantly α1→4 glycosidic bonds with branches created through α1→6 glycosidic bonds.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Glycogen from rabbit liver helps in maintaining blood glucose levels by regulating the release of glucose in between meals. It also provides energy during sudden, strenuous activity. Two important areas of glycogen storage are the liver and skeletal muscle.

Purification Methods

A 5% aqueous solution (charcoal) of D(+)-glycogen is filtered, and an equal volume of EtOH is added. After standing overnight at 3o the precipitate is collected by centrifugation, washed with absolute EtOH, then EtOH/diethyl ether (1:1) and diethyl ether, and dried. [Sutherland & Wosilait J Biol Chem 218 459 1956.]