# Explain why glycogen is well suited to its role as a storage carbohydrate in animal muscle cells.

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

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Glycogen is a polymer / made of many glucose monomers joined together
2. Glycogen is insoluble / does not dissolve in cell fluid
3. Being insoluble means it does not affect the water potential / osmosis of the cell
4. Glycogen is highly branched, allowing rapid release of glucose when energy is needed
5. Large amounts of glucose can be stored in a compact / small space without taking up too much volume in the cell

## Key terms

- [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-why-glycogen-is-well-suited-30174dcf) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.