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Biology /Polysaccharides: Structure and Function

Polysaccharides: Structure and Function

Biology10 CardsCreated 18 days ago

This deck covers the structure, function, and characteristics of polysaccharides, including starch, glycogen, cellulose, and chitin. It explores their roles in energy storage and structural support in plants and animals.

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What are polysaccharides?

Polysaccharides are long polymers made up of monosaccharides joined through dehydration reactions.

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Key Terms

Term

Definition

What are polysaccharides?

Polysaccharides are long polymers made up of monosaccharides joined through dehydration reactions.

What is the primary function of starch in plants?

Starch serves as a storage polysaccharide in plants, consisting of glucose molecules.

How does glycogen differ from plant starch?

Glycogen has a shorter average chain length and more branches than plant starch.

What type of linkage is found in cellulose?

Cellulose has β-(1→4) linkages between glucose molecules.

Why can't most animals digest cellulose?

Most animals lack the enzymes necessary to break the β-(1→4) linkages in cellulose.

What is amylopectin?

Amylopectin is a branched form of starch with branches occurring due to bonds between the C1 of one molecule and the C6 of another.

What is the structural role of chitin?

Chitin is a structural material found in arthropods and fungi, forming tough, resistant surfaces.

What is the main component of plant cell walls?

Cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls.

How do some animals digest cellulose?

Some animals, like cows, can digest cellulose with the help of symbiotic bacteria and protists in their digestive tract.

What is the difference between amylose and amylopectin?

Amylose is a long, unbranched chain of glucose molecules, while amylopectin is a branched form of starch.

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Polysaccharides: Structure and Function

Term	Definition
What are polysaccharides?	Polysaccharides are long polymers made up of monosaccharides joined through dehydration reactions.
What is the primary function of starch in plants?	Starch serves as a storage polysaccharide in plants, consisting of glucose molecules.
How does glycogen differ from plant starch?	Glycogen has a shorter average chain length and more branches than plant starch.
What type of linkage is found in cellulose?	Cellulose has β-(1→4) linkages between glucose molecules.
Why can't most animals digest cellulose?	Most animals lack the enzymes necessary to break the β-(1→4) linkages in cellulose.
What is amylopectin?	Amylopectin is a branched form of starch with branches occurring due to bonds between the C1 of one molecule and the C6 of another.
What is the structural role of chitin?	Chitin is a structural material found in arthropods and fungi, forming tough, resistant surfaces.
What is the main component of plant cell walls?	Cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls.
How do some animals digest cellulose?	Some animals, like cows, can digest cellulose with the help of symbiotic bacteria and protists in their digestive tract.
What is the difference between amylose and amylopectin?	Amylose is a long, unbranched chain of glucose molecules, while amylopectin is a branched form of starch.