What is the stored form of glucose called?

The stored form of glucose is known as glycogen. Glycogen is a polysaccharide that serves as a form of energy storage in animals and fungi. It is primarily found in the liver and muscle tissues, where it can be rapidly mobilized to meet energy demands during physical activity or periods of fasting.

When glucose is consumed, it can be converted into glycogen through a process called glycogenesis. This stored glycogen can then be broken down back into glucose when needed, particularly during times of increased energy requirements, such as exercise or low blood sugar levels. Glycogen plays a critical role in maintaining blood glucose levels and providing energy for muscular activities.

Fructose refers to a simple sugar, distinct from glucose, that is found in many plants. Glucose-6-phosphate is an intermediate in the metabolism of glucose but is not the stored form. Starch, while a carbohydrate that serves as an energy storage system in plants, is different from glycogen, which is the animal equivalent. Therefore, among the options, glycogen is the correct term for the stored form of glucose in the human body.