Which carbohydrate is known for its ability to provide quick energy?

Glycogen is recognized for its capacity to provide quick energy because it serves as a major energy reserve in animals. It is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units and is stored primarily in the liver and muscle tissues. When the body requires immediate energy, glycogen can be rapidly broken down into glucose through a process called glycogenolysis. This glucose can then be used to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell, allowing for swift energy availability during activities such as exercise or any metabolic processes requiring quick energy output.

In contrast, cellulose, while a carbohydrate, is not digestible by humans and mainly provides structural support in plants. Starch is also a storage form of energy but is digested more slowly than glycogen due to its different structure and the necessity for enzymatic breakdown. Sucrose, although it can provide energy rapidly as a simple sugar, does not have the extensive energy storage capabilities that glycogen possesses, making glycogen the most effective for quick energy release in the context of biological functions.