Polysaccharide Structures & Functions

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz

Study Flashcards

Spaced Repetition

Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of starch in plants?

Serve as primary energy storage molecule (correct)
Provide rigidity to cell walls
Indigestible by humans
Release glucose rapidly during intense activities

Cellulose is composed of alpha-glucose subunits.

False (B)

What structure allows glycogen to release glucose quickly during intense activities?

Highly branched structure

Cellulose provides ______ to plant cell walls.

<p>rigidity</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following polysaccharides with their primary characteristics:

<p>Cellulose = Indigestible by humans and provides rigidity Starch = Primary energy storage in plants Glycogen = Main storage form of glucose in animals Amylose = Linear glucose polymer</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cellulose structure

Cellulose is a long chain of beta-glucose molecules linked together by 1-4 glycosidic bonds.

Starch function

Starch is a plant's energy storage, made up of amylose and amylopectin.

Glycogen structure

Glycogen is a highly branched glucose polymer with 1-4 and 1-6 glycosidic bonds.

Cellulose digestibility

Humans can't digest cellulose.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Glycogen location

Glycogen is stored in animals, mostly in the liver and muscles.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Polysaccharide Structures & Functions

Cellulose: A rigid, structural polysaccharide in plant cell walls.
Composed of beta-glucose subunits linked by 1-4 glycosidic bonds.
Humans cannot digest cellulose.
Starch: A plant energy storage polysaccharide.
Consists of both linear (amylose) and branched (amylopectin) glucose chains.
Linked by 1-4 and 1-6 glycosidic bonds, making it digestible by humans and animals.
Broken down to release glucose for energy.
Glycogen: The primary animal energy storage polysaccharide.
Highly branched glucose polymer with 1-4 and 1-6 glycosidic bonds.
Stored primarily in the liver and muscles.
Branched structure allows for rapid glucose release for immediate energy needs, particularly during exercise.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers the key structures and functions of polysaccharides like cellulose, starch, and glycogen. Learn about their composition, digestive capabilities, and roles in plants and animals. Test your understanding of these vital carbohydrates and their importance in biological systems.