Our bodies include a variety of particles and chemicals that are necessary for the normal functioning of each organ. They include the hormones Glycogen and Glucagon, which seem quite similar but are highly distinct in terms of production and their respective functions. Both of these molecules are regarded to be significant circulating substances in our systems, according to experts.
If any of these are absent, the result will be an imbalance, which will result in immediate death. They both serve a purpose and perform a function in our bodies (making and distributing glucose). They should be researched in order to make the essential interventions at a time when the endocrine and metabolism are failing.
Glucagon Vs. Glycogen
There is a distinction between glycogen and glucagon in that glycogen is a carbohydrate, while glucagon is a sort of hormonal hormone. Both of them are created and found in various regions of the body, such as glycogen in the liver and glucagon in the pancreases, where they each serve separate functions that are related to glucose. It is Glucose that is formed when glycogen is broken down, and Glucagon is the hormone that aids in the breakdown of glycogen.
A sort of polysaccharide carbohydrate, glycogen is a type of carbohydrate that is stored in the body’s liver, kidneys, and muscles, and it also serves as a secondary source of energy for the body. It is necessary because it is broken down into glucose when the body needs it.
Glucagon is a peptide version of a hormone that is created in the pancreas and is responsible for aiding in the breakdown of glycogen into glucose when it is necessary. It is also responsible for increasing the rate of glucose circulating in the body. This is necessary because, if it is not there, glucose will not be generated from glycogen, which might result in quick death (due to lack of sugar).
What exactly is Glycogen?
Glycogen, which is a branched-chain polymer of -D-glucose and is found in both humans and animals, serves as the primary source of glucose storage. In the body, it is very essential because when glucose is needed, it breaks down to create glucose, which is then released back into the circulation.
It performs the following functions: it is mostly found in liver and muscle cells. It is created when the blood glucose level in the body is high and is then stored for use when the blood glucose level in the body falls.
Glycogen Storage Diseases occur when the body is unable to produce enough glycogen to meet its needs. These illnesses may afflict one out of every 20,000 newborns, with the majority of GSD affecting the liver.
The following are examples of symptoms associated with certain diseases:
- Tiredness.
- Obesity.
- Problems with blood clotting.
- Issues with the kidneys
- Problems with breathing and the heart.
This illness is genetic in nature, meaning that it happens when there is a problem with one’s DNA that is passed on to the next generation.
In addition to serving as a glucose storage facility, it is also considered a supplementary source of energy. The procedure is straightforward: when we ingest food (glucose), it is transformed into glycogen (which is stored in the liver) and subsequently converted back into glucose by the body’s own metabolic process.
What exactly is Glucagon?
Glucagons are a kind of hormone. Pancreatic hormones are generated by the pancreas and are a kind of hormone. The following are the functions of Glucagon in the body:
- To control the amount of glucose that is absorbed.
- It has a stimulating effect on the liver.
- Allow the glucose to be released into the bloodstream.
- Initiate the process of gluconeogenesis.
- Destroy the fat that has been stored.
Glucagon and the Circulation Glucose level: It is in charge of keeping the glucose level in the body constant. It alerts the liver when the blood glucose level falls below a certain threshold. When carbohydrates are consumed, insulin levels in the blood fall, whereas when high-protein meals are consumed, insulin levels in the blood increase.
When it comes to diabetes, Glucagon levels are elevated because of the disease’s metabolic abnormalities. It is possible that the cause is either a lack of sufficient insulin or a lack of or reduced response of the body to insulin.
There might be a case where the body has an overproduction of Glucagon. In this case, the following symptoms can be seen:
- Mild Diabetes.
- Excess weight loss.
- The problem of necrolytic migratory erythema
Therefore it becomes very important that a proper level of Glucagon is maintained in the body, but sometimes newborns have less level of glucose which is usually due to genes passed down.
Difference Between Glycogen and Glucagon
- Glycogen is a form of carbohydrate (polysaccharide), whereas Glucagon is a type of hormone, that forms the family of secretin.
- Both of them are different in terms of their role in the body, where glycogen is known as storage for glucose both in animals as well as in humans. On the other hand, Glucagon is responsible for the increase of sugar or glucose in the body.
- Both Glycogen and Glucagon are synthesis/found in different parts of the body. Glycogen is found in large amounts in the liver and very small amounts in the kidneys and muscles, whereas Glucagon is produced in the pancreas only.
- Besides acting as storage, Glycogen also performs as a source of energy in the body, and the Glucagon is responsible for stimulating the liver for the conversion of Glycogen into glucose (when the sugar level in the body decreases) (when the sugar level in the body decreases).
- Therefore it is pretty much clear how glycogen is a form of carbohydrate that should be converted into glucose if the sugar level is very low, and to convert this (to complete the process), Glucagon is required, which is a peptide hormone.
Conclusion
Both Glycogen and Glucagon are related to glucose, which is responsible for the energy in the body. If there is no glucose in the body, it cannot function at all. For the science students, it is one of the most important parts of their study and is included in the concept of endocrine and metabolism.
Every hormone released by glands in the endocrine system is responsible for controlling most of the processes, which is further responsible for the metabolism. In today’s world where every day new diseases are being found among humans, every person must have strong metabolism to fight it and also protect the body.