Polysaccharides

• What is the advantage of amylose being coiled?

  It makes it compact, allowing more storage in a smaller space.
• How does the structure of amylopectin help in quick glucose release?

  The branches increase surface area for enzymes to hydrolyse glycosidic bonds, releasing glucose quickly.
• How does the structure of glycogen help in quick glucose release?

  The many branches increase surface area for enzymes to hydrolyse glycosidic bonds, releasing glucose quickly.
• Why is starch a good storage molecule in plants?

  It is insoluble, does not affect water potential, and is too large to leave the cells.
• Why is glycogen a good storage molecule in animals?

  It is compact and has many branches for quick hydrolysis to release glucose for energy.
• Where is glycogen stored in animals?

  In muscles and the liver.
• How is glucose released from starch and glycogen?

  Through hydrolysis of the glycosidic bonds.
• Which polysaccharide in starch is branched?

  Amylopectin.
• Which polysaccharide in starch is unbranched?

  Amylose.
• How are the monosaccharides in cellulose arranged?

  Alternating β-glucose molecules are flipped/turned upside down
• Why do cell walls provide strength and support to plant cells.

  Because cellulose chains form hydrogen bonds between them forming microfibrils. These are strong but flexible.
• 1,6 glycosidic bonds are found in which polysaccharides?

  Amylopectin and glycogen (branched ones)
• β-glucose can only be found in ........

  cellulose
• What is a polysaccharide?

  • Formed by the condensation of many glucose units
  • held by glycosidic bonds
• Complete the following about cellulose.

  • Polysaccharide in plant cell walls
  • formed by the condensation of β-glucose
• Complete the following about glycogen.

  • Polysaccharide in animals
  • formed by the condensation of α-glucose
• Complete the following about starch.

  • Polysaccharide in plants
  • formed by the condensation of α-glucose
  • contains two polymers - amylose and amylopectin
• Complete the following about amylose.

  • Polysaccharide in starch
  • made of α-glucose
  • joined by 1,4-glycosidic bonds
  • coils to form a helix
• Complete the following about amylopectin.

  • Polysaccharide in starch
  • made of α-glucose
  • joined by 1,4 and 1,6-glycosidic bonds
  • branched structure
• Complete the following about fibrils.

  • Long, straight chains of β-glucose
  • held together by many hydrogen bonds