Glycogen

Glycogen, $C\_\{12\}H\_\{20\}O\_\{10\}H\_2O$, sometimes called animal starch, was discovered by Clande Bernard in the human liver as well as that of graminivorous animals. It has been shown to exist very widely diffused throughout the animal kingdom, and appears to be an essential accompaniment of cellular growth, occurring in large quantities in the fetus. It occurs also in blood and muscular tissue. It is found in mollusca, dried oysters being said to contain as much as 9.5 per cent. Glycogen has also been detected in the vegetable kingdom, in moulds and other fungi. Its uses in the animal economy are noticed in the article LIVER.