Structure and function of polysaccharides

• What are the four types of polysaccharides mentioned in the study material?


  Starch, Glycogen, Cellulose, Chitin
• What type of glucose is found in starch and glycogen?

  Alpha-glucose
• What type of glucose is found in cellulose and chitin?

  Beta-glucose
• What type of bonds connect monomers in polysaccharides?

  Glycosidic bonds
• What are the two types of glycosidic bonds mentioned?


  1,4 and 1,6 glycosidic bonds
• What are the functions of starch, glycogen, cellulose, and chitin?


  • Starch: Energy storage in plants
  • Glycogen: Energy storage in animals
  • Cellulose: Structural component in plant cell walls
  • Chitin: Structural component in fungal cell walls and exoskeletons of arthropods
• Where is starch primarily found?


  In seeds and storage organs
• What is the primary function of glycogen in animals?


  To store energy
• How is starch structured?


  It is formed of alpha-glucose monomers
• What type of reaction forms glycosidic bonds?

  Condensation reaction
• What is the structure of amylose?


  It has a linear structure with a-1,4-glycosidic bonds
• What is the structure of amylopectin?


  It is branched with a-1,4 and a-1,6-glycosidic bonds
• Why is the branching in amylopectin important?


  It allows for quick enzyme access and energy release
• What is the primary function of cellulose?


  To provide structural support in plant cell walls
• What is the structure of chitin?


  It is long and unbranched, providing strength
• How does the structure of cellulose contribute to its function?


  Its long chains provide high tensile strength
• What is the significance of hydrogen bonds in polysaccharides?


  They provide additional strength and stability
• How does the absence of branching in cellulose affect its properties?


  It leads to a rigid structure that resists compression
• What is the role of glycogen in energy storage?


  It provides a readily available source of energy for animals
• What happens during hydrolysis of glycogen?


  Glycogen is broken down into glucose units
• What is the significance of the compact shape of glycogen?


  It allows for efficient storage without disrupting osmotic pressure
• How does the structure of starch differ from that of cellulose?


  Starch is branched while cellulose is unbranched
• What is the role of amylopectin in starch?


  It provides a branched structure for quick energy release
• What is the effect of glycosidic bond formation on the solubility of polysaccharides?


  It generally makes polysaccharides insoluble in water
• How does the structure of chitin contribute to its function?


  Its long chains provide strength and support in exoskeletons
• What is the primary energy storage form in animals?

  Glycogen
• What is the significance of the 1,4 and 1,6 glycosidic bonds in polysaccharides?


  They determine the structure and function of the polysaccharide
• How does the structure of amylose affect its function?


  Its linear structure allows for tight packing and energy storage
• What is the role of hydrogen bonds in the structure of cellulose?


  They provide additional strength and stability to the structure
• How does the structure of glycogen allow for rapid energy release?


  Its branched structure allows for multiple enzyme access points
• What is the significance of the 180-degree rotation in the structure of cellulose?


  It allows for the formation of strong hydrogen bonds between chains
• How does the structure of polysaccharides affect their biological roles?


  Their structure determines their solubility, strength, and function in storage or support