Polysacchrides Flashcards
Polysaccharide Definition
Many monosaccharides joined together by glycosidic bonds.
What monosaccharides form starch?
Alpha glucose.
What bonds join the monomers in starch?
Glycosidic 1,4 and 1,6.
What type of organism is starch found in?
Plants.
What is the function of starch?
Energy store in plants. Cells get energy from glucose. Plants store excess glucose as starch ( when a plant needs more glucose for energy, it breaks down starch to release the glucose ).
How is amylose structured in starch and how does it relate to its function?
Amylose is a long unbranched chain of alpha glucose. The angles of the glycosidic bond give it a coiled structure. This makes it compact meaning its good for storage because you can fit many into a small space.
How is amylopectin structured in starch and how is it related to its function?
Amylopectin is a long branched chain of alpha glucose. Its side branches allow the glycosidic bonds between the molecules to be hydrolysed easily. This means glucose can be released quickly.
How else is starch structured and how does it relate to its function?
- starch is insoluble so does not affect the water potential of the cell
- starch is large so it can’t leave the cell
What monosaccharides form glycogen?
Alpha glucose.
What bonds join the monomers in glycogen?
Glycosidic 1,4 and 1,6.
What type of organism is glycogen found in?
Animals.
What is the function of glycogen in animals?
What is the function of glycogen in animals?
Animals cells get energy from glucose. They store excess glucose as glycogen. Energy store.
How is glycogen structured and how is it related to its function?
Similar to amylopectin in starch but highly branched. This means the glycosidic bonds are easily hydrolysed therefore making it easier to release glucose for respiration to make ATP.
What monosaccharides form cellulose?
Beta glucose.
