Question

7) Describe the structural differences and similarities between the following pairs of polysaccharides?]

a) Glycogen and amylopectin

b) Amylose and cellulose

Answer 1

a) Similarities:

1. Both are multi branched polysaccharide of glucose units

2. Both has α(1→4) and α(1→6) glycosidic bonds.

Differences:

1. amylopectin found in plants, but glycogen found in animals.

2. Glycogen has more extensive branching structures than amylopectin.

b) Similarities:

1. Both are made up of D-glucose monomer units only.

Differences:

1. Amylose has α(1→4) glycosidic bonds, but cellulose has β(1→4)-glycosidic bonds.

2. Amylose has helical structure unlike cellulose.