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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of starch in plants?
What is the primary function of starch in plants?
Cellulose is composed of alpha-glucose subunits.
Cellulose is composed of alpha-glucose subunits.
False
What structure allows glycogen to release glucose quickly during intense activities?
What structure allows glycogen to release glucose quickly during intense activities?
Highly branched structure
Cellulose provides ______ to plant cell walls.
Cellulose provides ______ to plant cell walls.
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Match the following polysaccharides with their primary characteristics:
Match the following polysaccharides with their primary characteristics:
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Study Notes
Polysaccharide Structures & Functions
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Cellulose: A rigid, structural polysaccharide in plant cell walls.
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Composed of beta-glucose subunits linked by 1-4 glycosidic bonds.
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Humans cannot digest cellulose.
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Starch: A plant energy storage polysaccharide.
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Consists of both linear (amylose) and branched (amylopectin) glucose chains.
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Linked by 1-4 and 1-6 glycosidic bonds, making it digestible by humans and animals.
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Broken down to release glucose for energy.
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Glycogen: The primary animal energy storage polysaccharide.
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Highly branched glucose polymer with 1-4 and 1-6 glycosidic bonds.
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Stored primarily in the liver and muscles.
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Branched structure allows for rapid glucose release for immediate energy needs, particularly during exercise.
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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.
