1What is a polysaccharide?
A polysaccharide is formed when more than two monosaccharides are joined together by condensation reactions.
2What is amylose made of?
Amylose is made of many α-glucose molecules joined by glycosidic bonds.
3Why do plants store glucose as starch?
Plants store glucose as starch so they can break it down into glucose when more energy is needed.
4What are the two polysaccharides in starch?
Starch is made up of amylose and amylopectin, both are polysaccharides of α-glucose.
5What is the structure of amylose?
Amylose is a long, unbranched chain of α-glucose with a coiled structure, making it compact and good for storage.
6What feature of amylopectin makes glucose release faster?
The branched structure of amylopectin allows enzymes to reach glycosidic bonds easily, leading to quicker glucose release.
7Why is starch good for storage in plant cells?
Starch is insoluble in water and doesn’t affect water potential, preventing cells from swelling.
8How can you test for starch?
Add iodine in potassium iodide solution to the sample; if starch is present, it turns from brown-orange to dark blue-black.
9What is glycogen used for in animals?
Glycogen is the main energy storage material in animals, storing excess glucose for energy.
10How does the structure of glycogen aid in quick glucose release?
Glycogen has many side branches, allowing for quicker glucose release.
11What is cellulose made of?
Cellulose is made of long, unbranched chains of β-glucose.
12How do β-glucose molecules form cellulose chains?
β-glucose molecules form straight chains that link through hydrogen bonds to create strong fibers called myofibrils.
13What is the main structural role of cellulose in plants?
Cellulose provides structural support as the main component of plant cell walls.