a and b isomerism in glucose

• What type of monomers make up starch?

  α-glucose monomers
• What are the two components of starch and their structures?

  • Amylose: Unbranched, helical structure, 1,4-glycosidic bonds
  • Amylopectin: Branched structure, 1,4- and 1,6-glycosidic bonds
• Why is starch insoluble in water?

  It prevents osmosis in cells
• What is the primary function of starch in plants?

  Energy storage
• Where is starch found in plants?

  In chloroplasts and amyloplasts
• How does the helical structure of amylose benefit starch?

  It makes starch compact
• Why is amylopectin easily hydrolysed by enzymes?

  Its branches allow rapid breakdown
• What type of monomers make up cellulose?

  β-glucose monomers
• Describe the structure of cellulose.

  Straight, unbranched chains with 1,4-glycosidic bonds
• How do cellulose chains contribute to its function?

  • Form microfibrils via hydrogen bonds
  • Create strong fibres for structural support
• What is the primary function of cellulose in plants?

  Structural support in cell walls
• Why does cellulose have high tensile strength?

  It prevents cell bursting under osmotic pressure
• What is the permeability of cellulose to water?

  Permeable to water
• What type of monomers make up chitin?

  β-glucose with acetylamine groups
• How does chitin's structure compare to cellulose?

  • Similar to cellulose
  • Contains 1,4-glycosidic bonds and microfibrils
• What are the properties of chitin?

  Lightweight, strong, waterproof
• What is the primary function of chitin?

  Exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans
• What type of monomers make up glycogen?

  α-glucose monomers
• Describe the structure of glycogen.

  • Highly branched
  • Contains 1,4- and 1,6-glycosidic bonds
• What is the primary function of glycogen?

  Energy storage in animals and fungi
• Where is glycogen stored in the body?

  In liver and muscle cells
• Why is glycogen rapidly hydrolysed?

  Due to extensive branching for quick energy release
• Why is glycogen insoluble?

  No osmotic effect in cells