polysaccharides Flashcards
what are polysaccharides made from?
large number of monosaccharides ( monomers)
when is a polysaccharide formed?
when more than two monosaccharides are joined together by condensation reactions.
lots of alpha glucose molecules are joined together by glycasidic bonds to form …?
amylose
how can polysaccharides be broken down?
hydrolysis reactions
name 3 types of polysaccharides?
Starch, Glycogen and Cellulose
what is starch made up of?
Amylose and amalopectin
What is the function of starch?
- store excess glucose as starch
- good for storage( amylose is compact)
- quick release of energy( Amylopectin is branched so enzymes can easily break down glycasidic bonds)
Structure of amylose?
long, unbranched chain of alpha glucose. Coiled in structure due to the angles of the gycasidic bonds. its very compact so good for storage.
Structure of amylopectin?
long, branched chain of alpha glucose. side branches allow enzymes to break down the molecule to get at the glycosidic bonds easily so glucose can quickly be released.
starch is ….. in water?
what does this mean?
insoluble
it doesnt affect water potential so doesnt cause water to enter by osmosis.
what holds alpha glucose molecules in a helical shape?
hydrogen bonds
what do animals store glucose as ?
glycogen
what is glycogens structure similar to ?
amtlopectin
whats the difference in the structure of glycogen and amylopectin?
glycogen is much more branched ( side branches coming off it)
How does the structure of glycogen help with its function?
loads of branches means it can quickly release stored glucose in animals. Its also very compact for storage.
