Chapter 3.3.2 (Exam 2) Oligosaccharides and Polysaccharides

Question 1

Describe the structure and function oligosaccharides.

Answer 1

Several monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds

Often covalently bonded to proteins and lipids on cell surfaces, where they serve as recognition signals

Question 2

Describe the structure of polysaccharides.

Answer 2

Large polymers of monosaccharides connected by glycosidic bonds; some are branched

Question 3

Name three common polysaccharides.

Answer 3

Starch

Glycogen

Cellulose

Question 4

What is the structure and function of starch?

Answer 4

Branched

Storage of glucose in plants

Question 5

What is the structure and function of glycogen?

Answer 5

Highly branched

Storage of glucose in animals

Question 6

What is the structure and function of cellulose?

Answer 6

Linear and parallel

Very stable

Good for structural components

Question 7

When modified by the addition of functional groups, what can carbohydrates form?

Answer 7

Sugar phosphates (phosphate groups)

Amino sugars (amino groups)

Chitin (acetyl group)