Polysaccharides Flashcards
How is a polysaccharide formed?
When more than two monosaccharides are joined together by a condensation reaction.
How is a polysaccharide broken down?
By a hydrolysis reaction.
What is starch?
Plants store excess glucose as starch so it can be broken down again to release the glucose.
What are the two forms of starch?
Amylose and Amylopectin
What is the structure of amylose and why is it in that form?
Amylose is a long unbranched chain of alpha-glucose. The angles of the glycosidic bond give it a coiled structure.
Why does the structure of amylose make it useful?
It makes it compact., which is good for storage as it can fit in small spaces.
What is the structure of amylopectin?
Amylopectin is a long branched chain of alpha-glucose that has side branches.
Why does the structure of amylopectin make it useful?
Its side branches allow the enzyme that break down the molecule to get at glycosidic bonds easily so glucose can be released quickly.
What is glycogen?
A molecule that animals use to store excess glucose.
What is the structure of glycogen?
An alpha-glucose chain with lots of branches (more that amylose).
Why does the structure of glycogen make it useful?
Lots of branches means that stored glucose can be released quickly, which is important for energy release in animals. It is also very compact for storage.
What is cellulose?
A molecule found in plants that is often used to support and strengthen it.
What is the structure of cellulose?
Cellulose is made of long, unbranched chains of beta-glucose. When beta-glucose molecules bond, they form straight cellulose chains. The cellulose chains are linked together by hydrogen bonds to form strong fibres called microfibrils.
What type of glucose is cellulose made of?
Beta-glucose
What are cellulose chains linked together by?
Hydrogen bonds
