Glycogen synthesis, or glycogenesis, begins with the molecule glucose-6-phosphate, which is derived from glucose. This molecule is converted to glucose-1-phosphate and then to UDP-glucose, the activated form of glucose. The enzyme glycogen synthase catalyzes the addition of UDP-glucose to a growing glycogen chain. The process is regulated by hormones such as insulin, which promotes glycogenesis, especially postprandially (after a meal).
