Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of polysaccharides?
What is the primary function of polysaccharides?
Which type of amylase is found in saliva?
Which type of amylase is found in saliva?
What type of linkage is not found in amylose?
What type of linkage is not found in amylose?
How does starch serve as a convenient storage material?
How does starch serve as a convenient storage material?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements about amylopectin is true?
Which of the following statements about amylopectin is true?
Signup and view all the answers
Which characteristic is true for pure starch?
Which characteristic is true for pure starch?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the two primary components of starch?
What are the two primary components of starch?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following describes a property of polysaccharides?
Which of the following describes a property of polysaccharides?
Signup and view all the answers
Which glycosidic bonds are present in glycogen?
Which glycosidic bonds are present in glycogen?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens to dietary fiber's water holding capacity?
What happens to dietary fiber's water holding capacity?
Signup and view all the answers
What color does iodine turn when it reacts with inulin?
What color does iodine turn when it reacts with inulin?
Signup and view all the answers
Which characteristic defines mucopolysaccharidoses?
Which characteristic defines mucopolysaccharidoses?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a significant source of inulin?
What is a significant source of inulin?
Signup and view all the answers
What best describes the structure of proteoglycans?
What best describes the structure of proteoglycans?
Signup and view all the answers
How does dietary fiber affect cholesterol absorption?
How does dietary fiber affect cholesterol absorption?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of linkage is found in inulin?
What type of linkage is found in inulin?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Polysaccharides
- Polysaccharides are high molecular weight carbohydrates
- They are insoluble non-sugars
- On hydrolysis, they yield monosaccharides or related products
- They're polymeric anhydrides of simple sugars
- D-glucose is a key component
Polysaccharide Types
-
Homopolysaccharides: Yield a single monosaccharide on hydrolysis
- Storage: Starch, glycogen, inulin
- Structural: Cellulose, pectin, chitin
-
Heteropolysaccharides: Yield a mixture of monosaccharides on hydrolysis
- Glycosaminoglycans (mucopolysaccharides): Hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfates (A and C), dermatan sulfate, and keratosulfate, heparin
- Other constituents: D- and L-galactose, D-mannose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, D-glucuronic acid, D-galacturonic acid, D-mannuronic acids, D-glucoseamine, D-galactoseamine, aminouronic acids
Polysaccharide Functions
- Energy storage: Starch, glycogen, inulin
- Structural components: Cellulose, pectin, chitin, glycosaminoglycans
- Other functions: Aids in digestion, make up cell and tissue structures, and are a source of carbon for synthesis of other compounds
Starch
- Polymer of α-glucose
- Stored as starch grains in chloroplasts and storage organs (e.g., potatoes, seeds)
- Consists of two types:
- Amylose (linear, helical)
- Amylopectin (branched)
- More than half of human carbohydrate intake is starch
Glycogen
- D-Glucose linked by α-1,4 and α-1,6 glycosidic bonds
- Branches formed after 8-10 residues
- A major energy reserve in animals
- Stored in the liver and muscles (up to 7% of wet weight)
- Particles much smaller than starch grains
Inulin
- Polymer of D-fructose, β-(1,2) linked fructofuranoses
- Linear, no branching
- Lower molecular weight than starch
- Colors yellow with iodine
- Hydrolysis yields fructose
- Stored in tubers (dahlia, artichoke) and roots (dandelion)
- Used as a dietary fiber, appetite suppressant, and in treating kidney disease
Cellulose
- Linear polymer of β-D-glucose linked by β(1−4) glycosidic bonds
- Most abundant polysaccharide
- Present in all land plants, but not in animals
- Not digestible by humans
- Forms plant cell walls (40-70%)
Pectin
- Polysaccharide of α-D-galacturonic acid
- Found as intercellular substances in young plants and fruits
- Forms jellies with sugars
- Used as gelling agent in jams and jellies
Chitin
- Polymer of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, β(1→4) glycosidic bonds.
- Important structural component in fungi, crab shells, and insect exoskeletons.
- Impregnated with calcium carbonate to enhance strength
Heteropolysaccharides (Glycosaminoglycans)
- Polymers assembled from disaccharides
- Mucopolysaccharide disorders are caused by defective lysosomal enzymes
- Examples: hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfates (A and C), dermatan sulfate and keratosulfate, and heparin
Hyaluronic Acid
- Straight-chain polymer of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG)
- Abundant in connective tissues (synovial fluid, vitreous humor of eye)
- High viscosity, acts as a lubricant and helps cement tissues
- Involved in fertilization
Chondroitin
- Related to hyaluronic acid
- Polymer of D-glucuronic and N-acetyl-galactosamine
- Component of cartilage, tendons and cell coats
Chondroitin Sulfates (A and C)
- Modifications of chondroitin with sulfate
- Widely distributed in cartilage, tendons, and bones
- Contribute to structural support
Dermatan Sulfate
- Structurally similar to chondroitin sulfate A
- Contains L-iduronic acid instead of D-glucuronic acid
- Component of connective tissues
Heparin
- Sulfated heteropolysaccharide
- Anticoagulant, inhibits blood clotting
- Found in liver, lungs, and mast cells
Proteoglycans
- Core proteins covalently attached to glycosaminoglycans
- Important components of connective tissues
Uses of Polysaccharides
- Water treatment: remove metal ions, filtration
- Pulp and paper: surface treatment
- Biomedical: bandages, sponges, artificial materials, controlling drug release
- Cosmetics: make-up powder nail polish, moisturizers
- Biotechnology: enzyme/cell immobilization, protein separation
- Agriculture: seed/leaf coating, fertilizer
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Test your knowledge about polysaccharides and starch in this informative quiz. Explore questions regarding their functions, types, and properties. Perfect for students studying biochemistry or related fields.
