Polysaccharides Flashcards
Is polysaccharide a carbohydrate polymer? If yes, then what are its monomers?
Yes, its monomers are called monosaccharides.
Give an example of a monosaccharide and a polysaccharide!
ANY GOOD EXAMPLE IS FINE
Glucose
GLYCOGEN / AMYLOSE / AMYLOPECTIN
How many monosaccharides are there in TRUE polysaccharides?
> 10
How many monosaccharides are there in an OLIGOSACCHARIDE?
less than 10 but greater than 2
for example: 8 or 7
What does MONO mean?
1
what does Di mean?
2
What does oligo mean?
3 to 10
What does poly mean?
anything more than 3 but usually polysaccharides in this biology course have 10+ monosaccharides
What is the definition of condensation?
Joining of monomers together to form a larger polymer where a polymer is formed as well as a by-product Water.
What is the definition of Hydrolysis?
a chemical reaction during which polymers (large molecules) break down into monomers (small molecules) by the addition of water.
Are polysaccharides sweet tasting like monosaccharides and di-saccharides?
NO. they are not sweet tasting.
Are polysaccharides soluble
No unlike mono and di saccharides
Are polysaccharides called sugars too?
No they are not, and they are also not sweet tasting.
What are the 2 isomers of glucose
Alpha glucose and Beta glucose
Examples of Alpha glucose polymers
Amylose, Amylopectin
Examples of Beta glucose polymers
Cellulose
What type of bonding is in A-glucose?
1,4 glycosidic bonds
what type of bonding in B-glucose?
both 1,4 and 1,6 glycosidic bonds
What is the main source of energy for respiration, A or B glucose?
Alpha glucose.
Are A GLUCOSE polysaccharides good energy stores?
YES
WHY Are A GLUCOSE polysaccharides good energy stores?
1- compact, where they can store a lot of energy in a small space
2- Water insoluble so don’t impact water potential in cells
3- Large so don’t diffuse out of the cell
Why can’t polysaccharides pass through cell membranes and diffuse out of the cell?
Can’t pass through carrier proteins as they are big
Properties of polysaccharides and their importance:
- Large molecule
- Insoluble molecule
-Compact
-Easily broken down
Importance of properties:
- Cannot diffuse out of the cell
- Doesn’t impact cell’s water potential
- Large amount of energy stored in small spaces
- readily available whenever needed
