In terms of energy storage, how does glycogen differ from starch?

Glycogen is highly branched and quickly mobilized, which makes it an efficient form of energy storage in animals. The branching in glycogen allows for rapid access to glucose when energy is needed. This structure is composed of many glucose units linked together, with frequent branch points that facilitate quick breakdown by enzymes during periods of high energy demand, like intense exercise.

In contrast, starch, which serves as the primary energy storage form in plants, has a different branching structure; it is less branched than glycogen, leading to a slower mobilization of energy. This distinction in structure and function between glycogen and starch is crucial for understanding how different organisms manage energy storage. The rapid mobilization of glycogen provides animals with the ability to respond swiftly to energy needs, which is essential for survival in a dynamic environment.