M 2 Polysaccharides

Question 1

What are polysaccharides?

Answer 1

Polymers containing many monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds

Question 2

What are the 3 major polysaccharides?

Answer 2

Starch - energy storage in plants
Glycogen - energy storage in animals
Cellulose - Structural role in plants

Question 3

Describe the structure of Amylose in Starch.

Answer 3

• Alpha Glucose
• 1-4 glycosidic bonds
• Coiled structure

Question 4

Describe the structure of Amylopectin in Starch.

Answer 4

• Alpha Glucose
• 1-4 AND 1-6 glycosidic bonds
• Coiled structure
• Side branches

Question 5

Describe the structure of glycogen.

Answer 5

• Alpha glucose
• 1-4 AND 1-6 glycosidic bonds
• Coiled structure
• Many side branches

Question 6

What are the shared features of glycogen and starch?

Answer 6

• Energy storage molecules
• Insoluble
• Glucose can be broken off via hydrolysis - ready to use in respiration

Question 7

Describe the structure of Cellulose.

Answer 7

• Long chains of beta glucose rotated 180 degrees to its neigbour
• Joined by beta 1-4 glycosidic bonds
• Forms straight chains
• Hydrogen bonds form between chains.

Question 9

What is the function of cellulose?

Answer 9

• Strengthen cells and whole plant
• Prevents cell from bursting = turgid
• Arrangements of microfibrils permits passage of water (apoplast)