Polysaccharides

Question 1

Define polysaccharides

Answer 1

Formed by the condensation of many glucose units

Question 2

3 examples of polysaccharides

Answer 2

Starch
Glycogen
Cellulose

Question 3

What is starch made of

Answer 3

Two polymers of a-glucose

Question 4

What are the names of the two polymers of a- glucose starch

Answer 4

Amylose
Amylopectin

Question 5

Describe the structure of amylose

Answer 5

Unbranched chain of glucose molecules that coils up tightly
Joined by 1-4 glycosidic bonds

Question 6

How does the structure of amylose relate to its function

Answer 6

Compact: tightly coiled chain can compact to fit a lot of glucose in a small place( stores a lot of energy)

Insoluble : large molecules can’t diffuse out of the cell + so doesn’t diffuse water into the cells via osmosis prevent cell from bursting

Easily hydrolysed: to form glucose it can be easily transported for respiration

Question 7

Describe the structure of amylopectin

Answer 7

Branched chain of glucose molecules
Joined by 1-4 glycosidic bonds, 1-6 glycosidic bonds

Question 8

How does the structure of amylopectin link to their function

Answer 8

Branches: has many ends which would allow enzymes to act on and allow hydrolysis to break down starch into glucose faster

Question 9

Where is starch found an its purpose

Answer 9

Plants
Store of glucose

Question 10

Is starch a glucose or b-glucose

Answer 10

a-glucose

Question 11

Is glycogen a-glucose or b-glucose

Answer 11

a-glucose

Question 12

where is glycogen found and what is its purpose

Answer 12

found in animals (mainly liver and muscle cells) + bacteria
store of glucose

Question 13

describe the structure of glycogen

Answer 13

Highly branched chain of glucose molecules
joined by 1-4 + 1-6 glycosidic bonds

Question 14

describe how its structure relates to its function:

Answer 14

Compact: it can be stored in large amounts within the liver and muscles without taking up too much space
allows animals to store a significant amount of energy in a small space, which is important for survival during times when food may be scarce.

insoluble : Glycogen cannot diffuse out of cells. wont affect water potential.

highly branched: makes it suitable for molecules to store energy because it allows more enzymes to cause hydrolysis to break down into glucose for respiration more rapidly when needed (e.g : exercise)

Question 15

is cellulose a-glucose or b-glucose

Answer 15

beta glucose

Question 16

where is cellulose found and its purpose

Answer 16

found in plants
provides strength for structure of the cell + makes plants more turgid to provide maximum Surface Area for photosynthesis

Question 17

describe the structure of cellulose

Answer 17

1-4 glycosidic bonds
-straight unbranched chains of b-glucose which are joined together by glycosidic bonds
- cellulose chains are linked together by hydrogen bonds to form strong fibres called microfibrils
-strong fibres mean that cellulose provide structural support for cells

Question 18

describe how structure of cellulose relates to its function:

Answer 18

Hydrogen bonds : provide collective strength

Unbranched molecule :group together to form microfibrils which align in parallel groups to form fibres to provide even more strength

insoluble in water : doesn’t affect water potential