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HomeHomework HelpbiologyPolysaccharides Overview

Polysaccharides Overview

Polysaccharides are large, complex carbohydrates composed of long chains of monosaccharide units, which serve various functions in living organisms; examples include starch, a storage form of energy in plants, glycogen, a storage form of energy in animals, and cellulose, a structural component of plant cell walls.

intermediate
2 hours
Biology
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Overview

Polysaccharides are essential carbohydrates made up of long chains of sugar units. They play critical roles in energy storage, such as starch in plants and glycogen in animals, and provide structural support, particularly cellulose in plant cell walls. Understanding polysaccharides is vital for gras...

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Key Terms

Polysaccharide
A carbohydrate made up of long chains of monosaccharide units.

Example: Starch and cellulose are examples of polysaccharides.

Starch
A storage polysaccharide found in plants, composed of glucose units.

Example: Potatoes are rich in starch.

Glycogen
A storage polysaccharide in animals, similar to starch but more branched.

Example: Glycogen is stored in liver and muscle cells.

Cellulose
A structural polysaccharide that forms the cell wall of plants.

Example: Cellulose is not digestible by humans.

Monosaccharide
The simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of a single sugar unit.

Example: Glucose is a common monosaccharide.

Disaccharide
A carbohydrate formed from two monosaccharides.

Example: Sucrose is a disaccharide made of glucose and fructose.

Related Topics

Carbohydrate Metabolism
Study how carbohydrates are broken down and utilized for energy in the body.
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Explore the structure and function of plants, including their cellular components.
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Nutrition Science
Learn about the role of different nutrients, including carbohydrates, in human health.
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Key Concepts

StarchGlycogenCelluloseFunctions of Polysaccharides