How does starch differ from glycogen?

Starch and glycogen are both polysaccharides made up of glucose units, but they serve different functions and have structural differences. Starch is primarily found in plants and serves as an energy reserve, whereas glycogen is the storage form of glucose in animals, particularly found in the liver and muscles.

The correct response highlights the role of starch as a significant source of energy for the body. When consumed, starch is broken down into glucose, which can then be utilized by the body for energy. This is in contrast to glycogen, which is not directly consumed as a food source; instead, it is stored in the body and broken down to release glucose when energy is needed.

Understanding the distinct roles of these two polysaccharides is essential for grasping how the body utilizes carbohydrates. The nature of their storage locations and structures (such as how starch can be both linear and branched, with amylose and amylopectin being its forms, while glycogen is highly branched) further emphasizes their differences.