2.1.2: Polysaccharides

Question 1

What is the solubility property of glycogen?

Answer 1

Glycogen is insoluble due to its large size.

This property prevents changes in water potential and affects osmosis.

Question 2

Why is the size of glycogen advantageous for cells?

Answer 2

It cannot leave the cell and does not affect water potential.

This is crucial for maintaining cellular conditions.

Question 3

How does the branching of glycogen affect its function?

Answer 3

Being highly branched provides a larger surface area for enzyme attachment.

This allows for rapid hydrolysis back into glucose.

Question 4

Why is rapid hydrolysis of glycogen important for animals?

Answer 4

Animals have a higher metabolic rate and need more glucose for respiration.

This is essential for energy release for muscle contraction.

Question 5

What is the primary function of cellulose in plants?

Answer 5

To provide structural strength in plant cell walls.

This prevents cells from bursting due to excess water.

Question 6

What type of glucose monomers make up cellulose?

Answer 6

Cellulose is made up of B-glucose monomers.

This is in contrast to starch and glycogen.

Question 7

What type of bonds join B-glucose monomers in cellulose?

Answer 7

1,4-glycosidic bonds.

This results in unbranched polymer structure.

Question 8

Describe the arrangement of cellulose chains.

Answer 8

Long, straight chains of B-glucose lie parallel to each other.

The parallel chains are held together by hydrogen bonds.

Question 9

What is a microfibril in the context of cellulose?

Answer 9

A structure formed by parallel chains of cellulose held together by hydrogen bonds.

Microfibrils combine to form macrofibrils.

Question 10

What provides stability and rigidity to the cell wall?

Answer 10

A large number of hydrogen bonds in cellulose.

This collective strength is crucial for plant cell structure.