Glucose is the prime source of emergency in our body. However, it is stored in the form of glycogen in the muscle and liver of animal and in the form of starch in plants. As a result, everytime a cell requires glucose, it must hydrolyze glycogen which is an energy consuming process. Why does the cell store glycogen instead of glucose in free form?

Options

A. Glycogen is more compact and more hydro philic.
B. Storage of glucose in free form will consume more ATP.
C. Glucose in the free form creates more osmoticm pressure.
D. Glucose is highly reactive molecule hence stor ing in the free form can result in unwanted re actions in the cells.

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Role of Glucose:**
- Glucose is a simple sugar and serves as the primary source of energy for cells in the body. It is crucial for cellular respiration, which produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell.

2. **Storage Forms of Glucose:**
- In animals, glucose is stored as glycogen, primarily in the liver and muscle tissues. In plants, glucose is stored as starch. Both glycogen and starch are polysaccharides, which are long chains of glucose molecules.

3. **Why Store as Glycogen Instead of Free Glucose:**
- **Osmotic Pressure:** If glucose were stored in its free form, it would create a high concentration of solute in the cells. This would lead to an influx of water into the cells due to osmosis, potentially causing them to swell and burst. Storing glucose as glycogen reduces this osmotic pressure because glycogen is a large molecule and does not contribute significantly to the solute concentration in the cell.

4. **Energy Efficiency:**
- Hydrolyzing glycogen to release glucose is a controlled process that allows the body to manage energy release according to its needs. Glycogen can be rapidly broken down into glucose when energy is required, making it an efficient storage form.

5. **Quick Availability:**
- Glycogen can be quickly mobilized to meet sudden energy demands, such as during intense physical activity. The process of breaking down glycogen (glycogenolysis) can be initiated rapidly, providing a quick source of glucose.

6. **Regulation of Blood Sugar Levels:**
- Storing glucose as glycogen helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels. The liver can release glucose into the bloodstream as needed, preventing spikes and drops in blood sugar levels.

7. **Conclusion:**
- Storing glucose as glycogen instead of in free form is a strategy that helps maintain osmotic balance, provides a quick energy source, and regulates blood glucose levels effectively.

---