Question

List the nature, source(s), monosaccharide unit and function of the following polysaccharides : starch, glycogen and cellulose.

Answer 1

Starch is a polysaccharide composed of glucose monomers joined by $\alpha$-1,4 glycosidic linkages. It is found in cereals like rice, wheat, maize, and potatoes. Its monosaccharide unit is alpha glucose. It is broken down into glucose to release energy.

Glycogen is a branched polysaccharide composed of glucose monomers joined by $\alpha$-1,4 glycosidiclinkage. It is mainly synthesized in the liver from glucose. Its monosaccharide unit is alpha glucose. It acts as stored energy. It maintains the blood glucose level.

Cellulose is a linear polysaccharide composed of glucose monomers joined by $\beta$-1,4 glycosidic linkages. It is majorly found in the cell wall of plants. Its monosaccharide unit is $\beta$ glucose. It is the primary building material in plants.