Polysaccharide

Definition

Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates composed of long chains of monosaccharide units bonded together. They serve various functions such as energy storage and providing structural support in living organisms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polysaccharides include starch, glycogen, and cellulose.
2. Starch is the main storage polysaccharide in plants, while glycogen serves a similar function in animals.
3. Cellulose is a major component of plant cell walls, providing structural support.
4. Polysaccharides can be branched or unbranched depending on their monosaccharide linkages.
5. They are generally insoluble in water due to their large size and complex structure.

Review Questions

• What are the three common types of polysaccharides?
• How do starch and glycogen differ in their biological roles?
• Why is cellulose important for plant structure?

Related terms

Monosaccharide: The simplest form of carbohydrate; single sugar molecules like glucose and fructose.

Disaccharide: A carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharide units bonded together, such as sucrose or lactose.

Glycosidic Bond: A type of covalent bond that links carbohydrate (sugar) molecules together in polysaccharides.