Bonding and structure of carbohydrates

What is the difference between Homopolysaccharides and heteropolysacchirides?

Homopolysaccharides are composed of one type of monosaccharide; heteropolysaccharides contain two or more types.

What type of polysaccharide is starch

A homopolysaccharide of glucose.

What are the two components of starch?

Amylose (unbranched, α(1→4) linkages) and amylopectin (branched, α(1→4) and α(1→6) linkages every 24–30 residues).

Role of starch in plants

the main storage polysaccharide.

What is the molecular weight of amylopectin?

Up to 200 million Daltons.

What is glycogen made of?

A branched homopolysaccharide of glucose.

What are the linkages in glycogen?

α(1→4) chains with α(1→6) branches every 8–12 residues.

What is the function of glycogen?

It serves as the main storage polysaccharide in animals.

How does glycogen compare to starch?

Glycogen is more highly branched than amylopectin in starch.

What type of polysaccharide is cellulose?

An unbranched homopolysaccharide of glucose.

What type of linkage is found in cellulose?

β(1→4) glycosidic bonds.

What strengthens cellulose's structure?

Hydrogen bonding between adjacent monomers and between chains.

Why can't most animals digest cellulose?

They lack the enzyme to hydrolyze β(1→4) linkages.

Which organisms can break down cellulose?

Fungi, bacteria, and protozoa that produce cellulase.

How is cellulose related to biofuels?

It is a key biomass source for cellulosic ethanol, offering a renewable, low-carbon fuel alternative.

What is chitin composed of?

N-acetylglucosamine monomers linked by β(1→4) bonds.

What type of polysaccharide is chitin?

A linear homopolysaccharide.

What are some functions and locations of chitin?

Provides structure in fungal cell walls and arthropod exoskeletons; forms "teeth" and "beaks" in molluscs.

Why is chitin tough but flexible?

Its fibrous structure and β-linkages give strength, while its flexibility is due to its polymer arrangement.

What is chitosan?

derivative of chitin, formed by removing acetyl groups.

Is chitosan a homo- or heteropolysaccharide?

A heteropolysaccharide of glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine.

What are some industrial applications of chitosan?

Drug delivery, surgical dressings, skincare products, and food thickeners.

What do chitinases do?

Break down chitin by cleaving its β(1→4) linkages.

Which organisms produce chitinases?

Bacteria, fungi, plants, and mammals (though not in the digestive tract).

What human condition is associated with increased chitinase expression?

Asthma and allergies.