Verified Solution Science Life Processes

Why are carbohydrates stored as starch in plants and as glycogen in animals?

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Solution ✔ Verified
  • AStarch and glycogen are more soluble than glucose, making them easier to transport.
  • BStarch and glycogen are complex molecules, allowing them to be stored efficiently without affecting osmotic balance.
  • CGlucose is toxic in high concentrations to plant and animal cells.
  • DStarch and glycogen provide more energy per gram than glucose.
Explanation

Starch and glycogen are polysaccharides, meaning they are large, complex, and relatively insoluble molecules. This allows them to be stored in cells without significantly altering the cell's osmotic potential, which would happen if glucose was stored in high concentrations.

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