Question

Write notes on polysaccharides.

Answer 1

Polysaccharides $\to$

Carbohydrates which yield a large number of monosaccharide units on hydrolysis are called polysaccharides.

Some common examples are starch, cellulose, glycogen, gums, etc.

Polysaccharides are not sweet in taste, hence they are also called non-sugars.

Polysaccharides are classified into two classes-

• Homo-polysaccharides $\to$ are made up of one type of monosaccharide units.

E.g.- cellulose, starch, glycogen.

• Hetero-polysaccharides $\to$ are made up of two or more types of monosaccharide units.

E.g.- Hyaluronic acid and they provide extracellular support for organisms.