The Question is from neet-botany biomolecules-biology polysaccarides, and it was created by the author D VINOD

Question

Glycogen, the primary storage polysaccharide in animals, exhibits a highly branched structure.  Which of the following best explains the significance of this branching for its function?

D VINOD · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: D
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Structure-function relationship in biological macromolecules
 **Related Topics**: Carbohydrate metabolism, enzyme kinetics, glycogenolysis
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of glycogen structure, enzyme-substrate interactions, and the role of glycogen in energy storage.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  Glycogen is a branched polysaccharide.
  It serves as the primary energy storage molecule in animals.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze the function of glycogen: Glycogen's primary role is to store glucose and release it rapidly when energy is needed.
  Reasoning:  The body needs a readily available source of glucose for quick energy.  Glycogen provides this.
  Formula/Rule: None directly applicable, but understanding of enzyme kinetics is key.
 2. Consider the effect of branching on enzyme access:
  Working: Branching creates many non-reducing ends.  Enzymes that break down glycogen (glycogen phosphorylase) act on these non-reducing ends.
  Key Point: Multiple non-reducing ends allow for simultaneous action of many enzyme molecules, increasing the rate of glucose release.
 3. Evaluate the options:
  Result: Option D correctly explains the significance of branching – it allows for rapid hydrolysis by providing multiple sites for enzyme action, crucial for quick energy release.
  Verification: The other options are incorrect because branching doesn't directly impact structural rigidity, osmotic pressure, or membrane transport of glycogen.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Branching does not significantly increase structural rigidity.  Glycogen's structure is primarily determined by its glycosidic bonds.
B :x: Branching has a minor effect on osmotic pressure, but it's not the primary reason for branching.
C :x: Glycogen is not transported across membranes as an intact molecule; glucose monomers are.
D ✓: This option correctly identifies the main functional advantage of branching: providing multiple sites for enzyme action, enabling rapid glycogen breakdown and glucose release for energy.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing the role of branching with other structural properties of glycogen: Students might focus on the overall size or solubility of glycogen instead of the impact on enzyme activity.
  How to avoid:  Focus on the enzymatic processes involved in glycogen breakdown.
  2.Overlooking the importance of multiple enzyme-binding sites: Students may not fully grasp the kinetic advantage of having many sites for enzyme action simultaneously.
  How to avoid:  Consider the rate of reaction and how branching increases the number of substrate molecules available for the enzyme at the same time.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that glycogen's branching structure is directly related to its function in rapid energy mobilization.
  2.Visualize the many non-reducing ends created by branching as providing multiple “access points” for enzymes.
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D VINOD · Answer

Branching increases the structural rigidity of glycogen, enabling it to form strong fibers.

D VINOD · Answer

Branching decreases the osmotic pressure exerted by glycogen within cells.

D VINOD · Answer

Branching facilitates the transport of glycogen across cell membranes.

D VINOD · Answer

The correct Option is "Branching allows for rapid hydrolysis by providing multiple sites for enzyme action, crucial for quick energy release."

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