Carbohydrate structure Flashcards
What is the minimum number of alcohol groups needed for a monosaccharides?
2
UDP-glucose is an activated carrier of what?
Glucose
When is UDP-glucose used?
As a glucose donor in glycogen synthesis and metabolism of galactose
Why type of polysaccaride is starch?
A homopolysaccharide
What type of bonds does glycogen contain?
1,4 and 1,6
What kind of bonds does starch contain?
1,4
How frequently do 1,6 branch points occur in glycogen?
About 1 in every 10 units
What protein is found at the core of glycogen?
Glycogenin
What kind of linkages occur in cellulose?
β1-4
What are dextrans?
Extensively branched sticky glucose polymers synthesised by bacteria and yeast
Where is dextran found?
It is the main component of dental plaque
What heteropolysaccharides are found in the extracellular matrix?
Glycosaminoglycans
What is the purpose of glycosaminoglycans?
It attaches to proteins to form proteoglycans which act as shock absorbers and lubricants
