Carbs - Starch + Glycogen Flashcards
What is the polysaccharide energy store in plants called?
Starch
Where is starch most commonly found?
2
In photosynthesising cells in leaves
And
In storage cells in seeds + storage organs
What is starch compacted into?
2
Dense, insoluble grains
What special organelles is starch stored in?
1
Amyloplasts
Why do storage organs contain cells with numerous amyloplasts?
To ensure the plant always has a sufficient supply of energy
What 2 polysaccharides does starch consist of?
Amylose
Amylopectin
What is the structure of amylose?
It is a long chain of a-glucose molecules joined together by 1,4 glycosidic bonds
What do amylose coil into?
Why?
A helix shape
This makes it more compact
What does each amylose molecule only have 2 of?
Only has 2 accessible ends where the enzyme amylase can bind
What does only having 2 accessible ends for binding mean for the speed of breaking down amylose?
Amylose can only be broken down slowly
What is the structure of amylopectin?
It is a long chain of a-glucose molecules joined together by 1,4 glycosidic bonds
How does the structure of amylopectin differ from amylose?
It also has occasional 1,6 glycosidic bonds
What does the occasional 1,6 glycosidic bonds mean for amylopectin?
It has side branches with more accessible ends
How easy is it to break down amylopectin?
It’s more easily broken down by enzymes when glucose is needed
(Compared to amylose)
What is the polysaccharide energy store in animals called?
Glycogen
