Polysaccharides

Question 1

What are polysaccharides formed from?

Answer 1

Many glucose units joined together

Question 2

Name two polysaccharides formed by the condensation of alpha glucose.

Answer 2

• Glycogen
• Starch

Question 3

What polysaccharide is formed by the condensation of beta glucose?

Answer 3

Cellulose

Question 4

What is the main energy storage molecule in animals?

Answer 4

Glycogen

Question 5

What types of glycosidic bonds are present in glycogen?

Answer 5

• 1, 4 glycosidic bonds
• 1, 6 glycosidic bonds

Question 6

What feature of glycogen allows for quick energy release?

Answer 6

Large number of side branches

Question 7

Why is glycogen considered a compact molecule?

Answer 7

It is relatively large but compact, maximizing energy storage

Question 8

Why is glycogen insoluble?

Answer 8

It will not affect the water potential of cells and cannot diffuse out

Question 9

What does starch store in plants?

Answer 9

Energy

Question 10

What are the two components of starch?

Answer 10

• Amylose
• Amylopectin

Question 11

Describe the structure of amylose.

Answer 11

Unbranched chain of glucose molecules joined by 1, 4 glycosidic bonds

Question 12

Why is amylose considered a compact molecule?

Answer 12

It is coiled

Question 13

What is the structure of amylopectin?

Answer 13

Branched chain of glucose molecules joined by 1, 4 and 1, 6 glycosidic bonds

Question 14

What allows amylopectin to release energy quickly?

Answer 14

Presence of many side branches

Question 15

List key properties of starch that make it suitable for energy storage.

Answer 15

• Insoluble
• Compact
• Easily transportable upon hydrolysis

Question 16

What is cellulose a component of?

Answer 16

Cell walls in plants

Question 17

What is the structure of cellulose?

Answer 17

Long, unbranched chains of beta glucose joined by glycosidic bonds

Question 18

What are microfibrils?

Answer 18

Strong threads made of long cellulose chains running parallel to one another

Question 19

How do microfibrils contribute to the strength of cell walls?

Answer 19

Joined together by hydrogen bonds forming strong cross linkages

Question 20

What role does cellulose play under osmotic pressure?

Answer 20

Stops the cell wall from bursting

Question 21

What does cellulose exert to help maintain turgidity in plant cells?

Answer 21

Inward pressure

Question 22

What is one benefit of turgid plant cells?

Answer 22

Helps maximize the surface area for photosynthesis