3.1.2 Polysaccharides-Starch,glycogen and cellulose

Question 1

How are polysaccharides formed?

Answer 1

Polysaccharides are formed by the condensation of many glucose units.

Question 2

What are some examples of polysaccharides?

Answer 2

Starch, Cellulose and glycogen

Question 3

Which polysaccharide is the main storage molecule in animals?

Answer 3

Glycogen

Question 4

Describe the basic structure of glycogen.

Answer 4

Glycogen is branched and consists of many α-glucose monomers.

Question 5

What is the benefit of glycogen being branched?

Answer 5

Energy can be stored and released quickly as enzymes can act simultaneously on these branches.

Question 6

Which polysaccharide is the main storage molecule in plants?

Answer 6

Starch

Question 7

Which 2 different polysaccharides is starch constructed from?

Answer 7

Amylose and Amylopectin

Question 8

Describe the structure of Amylose.

Answer 8

Un-Branched helix structure with 1,4 glycosidic bond between α-glucose molecules. The helix shape enables it to be more compact and thus it is more resistant to digestion.

Question 9

Describe the structure of Amylopectin.