carbohydrates

Question 1

what is a polymer

Answer 1

molecule made up of many identical monomers

Question 2

starch properties

Answer 2

storage polysaccharide
insoluble- no effect on water potential
compact- lots of energy in small space

amylose- a chain of alpha glucose held by 1-4 glycosidic bonds. it forms a helix, held by H bonds within the chain

amylopectin- a polymer of alpha glucose with 1-4 glycosidic bonds and a small number of 1-6 branches. this gives it an open structure and the branches are quickly hydrolysed

Question 3

structure of glycogen

Answer 3

polymer of 1-4 alpha glucose with 1-6 branches. so highly branched, it can be broken down to produce glucose for energy very quickly
reflects the grater metabolic demands of animal over plant
insoluble- doesnt affect osmotic potential
compact

Question 4

cellulose structure

Answer 4

alternate beta glucose upside down
only 1-4 glycosidic bonds
hydrogen bonds between chains forming microfibrils
insoluble
high strength
unbranched- strands can pack tightly together

straight
micofibres
no 1-6 bonds

Question 5

how is starch adapted for its function

Answer 5

role= storage
insoluble- stays in cell
good respiratory substrate- provides many glucose molecules on hydrolysis
amylose is coiled- lots in small space
amylopectin branched- rapidly hydrolysed to glucose because enzymes can begin to operate on all branches