Which nutrient is essential for the formation of glycogen in the human body?

• A. Amino acids
• B. Nucleotides
• C. Fatty acids
• D. Glucose

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of glycogen in the human body: Glycogen is a polysaccharide that serves as a storage form of glucose in the liver and muscles. It is synthesized when there is an excess of glucose in the bloodstream.
2. Identify the precursor molecule for glycogen synthesis: Glycogen is formed through a process called glycogenesis, which requires glucose as the primary building block. Glucose molecules are linked together to form glycogen.
3. Clarify why other nutrients are not involved: Amino acids are primarily used for protein synthesis, nucleotides are involved in DNA and RNA synthesis, and fatty acids are used for lipid storage and energy production. None of these are directly involved in glycogen formation.
4. Explain the biochemical pathway: Glucose is first phosphorylated to glucose-6-phosphate, then converted to glucose-1-phosphate, and finally activated by UDP-glucose before being added to the growing glycogen chain by the enzyme glycogen synthase.
5. Conclude the essential nutrient: Since glucose is the direct precursor for glycogen synthesis, it is the essential nutrient required for glycogen formation in the human body.