What type of starch is classified as an animal starch with branched glucose chains?

Glycogen is classified as an animal starch due to its structure and function within animal bodies. It consists of branched chains of glucose molecules, which makes it highly efficient for energy storage. Glycogen is primarily stored in the liver and muscles, and it can be quickly mobilized when the body needs a rapid supply of glucose for energy.

The branched structure of glycogen allows for multiple sites where glucose can be added or removed, facilitating quick access to energy when needed. In contrast, amylose, a component of starch found in plants, has a linear structure that is less efficient for rapid energy release. Amylopectin, also part of plant starch, does have branched glucose chains but is not considered an animal starch. Steroids are a completely different class of molecules unrelated to starch or glucose metabolism. Thus, glycogen is the answer that accurately describes the type of starch characterized as an animal starch with branched glucose chains.