Glycogen debranching
Glycogen phosphorylase stops cleaving when it is four glucose residues from a branch point. Which enzyme activity allows glycogen breakdown to continue?
Answer B: explanation for every choice
A
Branching enzyme creates branches during glycogen synthesis.
B
Correct. Debranching enzyme transfers three residues to another chain and then releases the branch-point glucose by hydrolyzing the α(1→6) bond.
C
Glycogen synthase adds glucose units during synthesis.
D
Phosphoglucomutase interconverts glucose-1-phosphate and glucose-6-phosphate.
TakeawayPhosphorylase cuts α(1→4) bonds. Debranching enzyme handles the α(1→6) branch points.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID bb111.