Question

Some cells store carbohydrates in the form of large polymers (e.g., glycogen, starch). From the perspective of colligative properties, what do you predict will happen to a cell if this weren't possible (meaning, these polymers could not form in the first place, or if formed, they are converted to the monomeric forms).

Answer 1

Definitely some cells store carbohydrates in the form of large polymers like starch and glycogen for a reason. If the monomeric form is present in our cell then osmotic pressure according to Van`t Hoff equation of the cell would be high--

Osmotic pressure (pi) = concentration _* RT

So water will flow inside the cell and the cell will swell. On the other hand, starch and glycogen are mostly insoluble in room temperature water. So the osmotic pressure of the cell remains the same.