Polysaccharides

Definition

Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates composed of long chains of monosaccharide units bound together. They play crucial roles in energy storage and structural integrity in living organisms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polysaccharides are classified into storage polysaccharides, like starch and glycogen, and structural polysaccharides, like cellulose and chitin.
2. Starch is the primary storage form of glucose in plants, while glycogen serves this function in animals.
3. Cellulose is a major component of plant cell walls and provides dietary fiber for humans.
4. Chitin is found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi.
5. Polysaccharides are broken down into monosaccharides through enzymatic hydrolysis during digestion.

Review Questions

• What are two primary functions of polysaccharides in living organisms?
• Name two types of structural polysaccharides and their respective sources.
• How are polysaccharides broken down during digestion?

Related terms

Monosaccharide: The simplest form of carbohydrate, consisting of a single sugar molecule like glucose or fructose.

Disaccharide: A carbohydrate formed by the combination of two monosaccharide molecules, such as sucrose or lactose.

Enzymatic Hydrolysis: A process where enzymes break down complex molecules like polysaccharides into simpler ones such as monosaccharides.