Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates composed of long chains of monosaccharide units bonded together. They play various roles in microbial biochemistry, including energy storage and structural functions.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Polysaccharides can be either homopolysaccharides, containing only one type of monosaccharide, or heteropolysaccharides, containing multiple types.
Common examples include starch, glycogen, and cellulose.
In microorganisms, polysaccharides can serve as a protective capsule that aids in evading the host's immune system.
They are synthesized through enzyme-catalyzed processes within microbial cells.
Polysaccharides can be broken down by hydrolytic enzymes called glycosidases or amylases.
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Related terms
Monosaccharide: The simplest form of carbohydrate consisting of a single sugar molecule.
Glycosidic bond: A type of covalent bond that links monosaccharide units in polysaccharides.
Capsule (in microbiology): A polysaccharide layer that surrounds some bacteria and contributes to their virulence.