Polysaccharides

• Polysaccharides


  A molecule formed by more than two monosaccharides
• Starch

  A carbohydrate molecule made up of two polysaccharides - amylose and amylopectin
• Amylose


  An unbranched (coiled) chain of glucose molecules joined by glycosidic 1,4 bonds

  Very compact and stores a lot of energy
• Amylopectin


  Branched chain of glucose molecules

  Joined by 1,4 and 1,6 glycosidic bonds

  Branches make it easier for enzymes to break down bonds, releasing energy faster
• Glycogen


  • A polysaccharide made from long branched chains of α-glucose
  • more branches than amylopectin
  • can be easily reached and broken down by enzymes
  • large but compact molecule
  • enzymes released by insulin and glucagon
• Cellulose

  • Polysaccharide made from long unbranched chains of β-glucose joined by glycosidic bonds
  • Stops cell from bursting when under osmotic pressure
• Microfibrils


  A strong fibre formed by chains of cellulose linked together by hydrogen bonds.