Ace the NLN PAX 2026 – Rock Your Nursing Dreams with Confidence!

Starch and glycogen are classified under carbohydrates, which is a key biochemical category characterized by the presence of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Both starch and glycogen are polysaccharides, meaning they are large molecules composed of long chains of glucose units.

Starch, primarily found in plants, serves as a form of energy storage. It consists of two components: amylose and amylopectin, which vary in structure but ultimately contribute to the plant's ability to store glucose for later use. Glycogen, on the other hand, is often referred to as the animal equivalent of starch. It is stored primarily in the liver and muscles as an accessible form of energy that can be quickly mobilized when needed.

In contrast, the other biochemical categories mentioned do not encompass starch and glycogen. Proteins are made up of amino acids and serve a variety of functions, including catalyzing biochemical reactions and providing structural support. Fats, or lipids, are hydrophobic molecules that serve as long-term energy storage and important components of cell membranes. Nucleic acids, like DNA and RNA, are responsible for the storage and transmission of genetic information.

Understanding that starch and glycogen fall under the category of carbohydrates helps clarify their role in