(i) What are polysaccharides? (ii) State the properties of polysaccharides (iii) List the examples of polysaccharides (iv) State the functions of polysaccharides

      

i) What are polysaccharides?

ii) State the properties of polysaccharides

iii) List the examples of polysaccharides

iv) State the functions of polysaccharides

  

Answers


Felix
a)i) Polysaccharides

These are formed through linking of numerous monosacchride units through condensation.
Their general formula is (C6H10O5),, where n is a very large number.

ii) Properties of polysaccharides

They are non sweet
They do not dissolve in water
They are non crystalline
They are non-reducing sugars

iii) Examples of polysaccharides

a) Starch- Made by linking numerous glucose molecules. It is a form in which carbohydrates are stored in plants.

b) Glycogen- Is a storage carbohydrate in liver and muscles of animals. It is broken down to glucose in animals when blood glucose falls.

c) Cellulose- This is a structural polysaccharide in plants. It is a component of the cell wall

d) Chitin- A structural carbohydrate found in cell wall of fungi and arthropod exoskeletons

iv) Functions of polysaccharides

They are storage carbohydrates; their insolubility and inertness makes them ideal for storing carbohydrates.
They are structural carbohydrates e. g. cellulose forms the plant cell walls
They can be hydrolyzed into monosacharides and be broken down to release energy
Anganifelix answered the question on May 9, 2018 at 16:42


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