Social Media Management advanced
Compare starch, glycogen, cellulose, and chitin in composition, linkage, or biological role.
Answer
Starch is a plant storage polysaccharide composed of amylose and amylopectin. Glycogen is an animal storage polysaccharide with α(1→4) chains and frequent α(1→6) branches. Cellulose is a structural β(1→4)-linked glucose polymer in plant walls. Chitin is a structural β(1→4)-linked polymer of N-acetylglucosamine found in fungal walls and arthropod exoskeletons.
Explanation
These polysaccharides illustrate how monomer type, linkage, and branching relate to function. Starch and glycogen store energy; cellulose and chitin contribute structural strength. Glycogen is more highly branched than amylopectin, while chitin differs from cellulose in its N-acetylglucosamine units. **Key takeaway:** Polysaccharide architecture supports storage or structural roles. **Glossary:** Homopolysaccharide: polymer primarily made from one kind of monosaccharide.
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