Polysaccharides Flashcards
What are polysaccharides
Carbohydrates
How are polysaccharides formed
When two or more monosaccharides are joined together by Condensation reactions
What do plants store excess glucose as
Starch
when plants need more glucose for energy, it breaks down starch to release glucose
What is starch a mixture of
Alpha glucose, amylose, amylopectin
Describe amylose
Long, unbranched chain of Alpha glucose. Has a coiled structure, almost like a cylinder. It’s compact to good for storage
Describe amylopectin
Long, unbranched chain of Alpha glucose. It’s side branches allow the enzymes to break down the molecule to get to the glycosidic bond easily. Glucose can be released quickly
Is starch soluble or insoluble in water
Insoluble, doesn’t effect isles water potential, water doesn’t enter the cell through osmosis causing it to swell. Is good for storage
What do animals store excess glucose as
Glycogen
Why is its structure similar to amylopectin
It has side branches just A lot more of them. This means stored glucose can be released quickly
what is cellulose made up of
Long unbranched chains of beta glucose
What happens when beta glucose molecules bond
They form straight cellulose chains, linked together by hydrogen bonding
What do the hydrogen bonds form
Strong fibres called microfibrilis which provides structural support for cells
What is the name of the test for starch
Iodine test
What colour would the result be if starch is present
Dark, blue/ black colour
What are polysaccharide molecules made from
Large numbers of their monomers (monosaccharides)
