Starch Cellulose vs. Glycogen: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 21, 2023

Starch and cellulose are polysaccharides in plants; starch stores energy, cellulose forms structural components. Glycogen, found in animals, is a storage form of glucose.

Key Differences

Starch and cellulose are both complex carbohydrates found in plants, but they serve different functions. Starch is a storage polysaccharide, primarily used by plants to store energy. It is digestible by humans and is a major source of energy in our diet. On the other hand, glycogen is the animal equivalent of starch and is the main storage form of glucose in the human body and other animals.

Nov 21, 2023

Cellulose, a component of starch cellulose, is a structural carbohydrate that forms the cell wall in plants, providing rigidity and strength. It is indigestible by humans due to its β-glycosidic bonds, which human digestive enzymes cannot break down. Glycogen, however, is structured to be easily accessible for quick energy release, making it crucial for energy metabolism in animals.

Nov 21, 2023

The molecular structure of starch involves α-glycosidic bonds, which allow it to be easily broken down by enzymes in the human digestive system. Cellulose, while also a polysaccharide like starch, has a different bond structure, making it resistant to digestion. Glycogen, similar to starch, has α-glycosidic bonds but is more extensively branched, allowing for rapid mobilization of glucose when needed by the body.

Nov 21, 2023

In terms of function, starch (including its cellulose component) in plants is analogous to glycogen in animals. While both starch (including cellulose) and glycogen serve as energy storage, cellulose also has the unique role of providing structural support in plants, a function not paralleled by glycogen in animals.

Nov 21, 2023

Starch, found in foods like potatoes and grains, is a major carbohydrate in the human diet, providing a slow and steady release of glucose into the bloodstream. Glycogen, stored in the liver and muscles, does not come directly from the diet but is synthesized by the body from glucose obtained from dietary carbohydrates.

Nov 21, 2023

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Comparison Chart

Location

Plants

Animals

Nov 21, 2023

Function

Energy storage (starch), structural support (cellulose)

Energy storage

Nov 21, 2023

Digestibility

Starch is digestible, cellulose is not

Digestible

Nov 21, 2023

Molecular Structure

α-glycosidic bonds (starch), β-glycosidic bonds (cellulose)

Highly branched with α-glycosidic bonds

Nov 21, 2023

Role in Diet

Dietary source of carbohydrates (starch)

Formed in the body, not consumed directly

Nov 21, 2023

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Starch Cellulose and Glycogen Definitions

Starch Cellulose

Starch is used by plants for energy storage.

Wheat stores energy as starch in its grains.

Nov 16, 2023

Glycogen

Main storage form of glucose in animals.

Glycogen stores provide energy during exercise.

Nov 16, 2023

Starch Cellulose

Indigestible component of plant cell walls (cellulose).

Cellulose gives vegetables their firm structure.

Nov 16, 2023

Glycogen

Not directly consumed in the diet, but formed from glucose.

After eating, excess glucose is converted into glycogen.

Nov 16, 2023

Starch Cellulose

Energy storage substance in plants (starch).

Potatoes are a good source of starch.

Nov 16, 2023

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Glycogen

Key element in the body's energy metabolism.

Glycogen breakdown helps maintain blood sugar levels.

Nov 16, 2023

Starch Cellulose

Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate forming fibrous structures.

Cellulose is abundant in cotton.

Nov 16, 2023

Glycogen

Polysaccharide that is highly branched.

Glycogen's structure allows for rapid glucose release.

Nov 16, 2023

Starch Cellulose

Starch is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units.

Rice is high in starch content.

Nov 16, 2023

Glycogen

Synthesized and stored in the liver and muscles.

The liver can store large amounts of glycogen.

Nov 16, 2023

Glycogen

A polysaccharide, (C6H10O5)n, that is the main form of carbohydrate storage in animals and is found primarily in the liver and muscle tissue. It is readily converted to glucose as needed by the body to satisfy its energy needs. Also called animal starch.

Nov 15, 2023

Glycogen

(carbohydrate) A polysaccharide that is the main form of carbohydrate storage in animals; converted to glucose as needed.

Nov 15, 2023

Glycogen

A white, amorphous, tasteless substance resembling starch, soluble in water to an opalescent fluid. It is found abundantly in the liver of most animals, and in small quantity in other organs and tissues, particularly in the embryo. It is quickly changed into sugar when boiled with dilute sulphuric or hydrochloric acid, and also by the action of amylolytic ferments.

Nov 15, 2023

Glycogen

One form in which body fuel is stored; stored primarily in the liver and broken down into glucose when needed by the body

Nov 15, 2023

FAQs

Can humans digest cellulose?

No, humans can't digest cellulose due to its β-glycosidic bonds.

Nov 21, 2023

Is starch found in animal products?

No, starch is found in plant-based foods.

Nov 21, 2023

Is cellulose important for plant structure?

Yes, cellulose provides structural support in plants.

Nov 21, 2023

How is glycogen used by the body?

Glycogen is broken down to release glucose for energy.

Nov 21, 2023

Is starch used for energy?

Yes, starch is a primary energy source in many diets.

Nov 21, 2023

Are starch and cellulose the same?

No, they are different; starch is digestible, cellulose is not.

Nov 21, 2023

Does glycogen contribute to weight gain?

Excess glycogen can contribute to weight gain if not used for energy.

Nov 21, 2023

Where is glycogen stored in the body?

Glycogen is stored in the liver and muscles.

Nov 21, 2023

Does cellulose contribute to dietary fiber?

Yes, cellulose is a major component of dietary fiber.

Nov 21, 2023

How is starch different from glycogen in structure?

Starch has less branching compared to the highly branched structure of glycogen.

Nov 21, 2023

Can starch be converted into sugar in the body?

Yes, starch is broken down into glucose, a type of sugar, in the body.

Nov 21, 2023

What foods are high in starch?

Foods like potatoes, rice, and bread are high in starch.

Nov 21, 2023

Is glycogen a quick or slow source of energy?

Glycogen is a quick source of energy, readily converted to glucose.

Nov 21, 2023

Can glycogen be converted back to glucose?

Yes, glycogen can be converted back to glucose when needed.

Nov 21, 2023

What happens to glycogen during fasting?

Glycogen stores are broken down to maintain blood glucose levels during fasting.

Nov 21, 2023

Do humans have enzymes to digest starch?

Yes, humans have enzymes like amylase to digest starch.

Nov 21, 2023

Is cellulose used in non-food products?

Yes, cellulose is used in products like paper and textiles.

Nov 21, 2023

How long can glycogen stores last in the body?

Glycogen stores can last for about a day under normal conditions.

Nov 21, 2023

Is glycogen found in plants?

No, glycogen is not found in plants; it's an animal polysaccharide.

Nov 21, 2023

Does cooking affect starch in foods?

Cooking can make starch more digestible by breaking down its structure.

Nov 21, 2023

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About Author

Written by

Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by

Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.