Cellulose,Chitin,Amylose

Cellulose

Cellulose is composed of Glucose units and has a linkage of β(1→4). It is linear and has unbranched chains. Chains pack tightly via intermolecular hydrogen bonds forming rigid fibers. Its function is structural support for plant cell walls and humans can not digest this because we lack β-glucosidase.

Chitin

Chitin is composed of (GlcNAc) units and its linkage is β(1→4).Each GlcNAc has an acetylated amino group.Exoskeleton of insects/crustaceans, fungal cell walls. It is tough and water insoluble.

Amylose

Amylose is composed of glucose units and has a linkage of α(1→4) and has linear chains, a reducing end and non-reducing end. A coiled structure due to intramolecular H-bonding.

Amylopectin

Amylopectin is glucose units with a linkage of α(1→4) in linear regions, α(1→6) at branch points. Highly branched, with branches every 24-30 residues and Each chain has one reducing end, many non-reducing ends.

Glycogen

Glycogen has a linkage of α(1→4) linear, α(1→6) branching. More highly branched (branches every 8-12 residues) .Multiple non-reducing ends for rapid glucose release