Is glycogen considered a steroid?

Glycogen is not considered a steroid; it is a polysaccharide that serves as a form of energy storage in animals and fungi. It is composed of long chains of glucose molecules linked together. Steroids, on the other hand, are a class of organic compounds characterized by a specific structure of four interconnected carbon rings. They have distinct biological functions, such as hormone regulation and membrane fluidity.

The structural differences between glycogen and steroids define their roles in biological systems. Glycogen is primarily involved in energy metabolism and is readily converted back to glucose when needed. In contrast, steroids play significant roles in signaling and cellular functions. This fundamental difference in classification and function clarifies why glycogen is categorized as a carbohydrate rather than a steroid.