# Explain how glucose molecules are used to form glycogen in the liver, and why glycogen is a more suitable storage molecule than glucose.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.1.2 Carbohydrates · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Glucose molecules are joined together (to form glycogen)
2. By condensation reactions (forming glycosidic bonds)
3. Glycogen is a polysaccharide / large/complex molecule
4. Glycogen is insoluble (so does not affect osmosis / water potential)
5. Glucose is soluble and would lower the water potential / cause water to enter cells by osmosis (causing problems)

## Key terms

- [glucose](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/glucose)
- [glycogen](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/glycogen)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-glucose-molecules-are-used-9bd31c5f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.