1a) The molecule amylose, an unbranched
polysaccharide. It forms a helix-shaped chain with αglucose units linked by 1,4-glycosidic bonds.
1b) The molecule is amylopectin, a branched starch
with α-glucose units linked by 1,4-glycosidic bonds
forming the main chain and 1,6-glycosidic bonds
creating branches.
1c) Glycogen is a highly branched polysaccharide,
featuring both 1,4 and 1,6 glycosidic bonds between αglucose molecules. This structure facilitates rapid
energy mobilisation in animals.
2a) Carbohydrates
2b) Alpha-Glucose
2c)
Feature
Amylose
Amylopectin
Glycogen
Branched
No
Yes
Yes
Helix shape
Yes
No
No
3a) Unbranched helix shaped chain with 1,4 glycosidic
bonds between a-glucose molecules.
3b) 1,4 glycosidic bonds between a-glucose molecules
but also 1,6 glycosidic bonds form between glucose
molecules creating a branched molecule.
3c) Glycogen a polysaccharide with 1,4 glycosidic
bonds forming the primary chain among α-glucose
units and 1,6 glycosidic bonds create an intricate
network of branches it is more branched than
amylopectin.
4a) The helix shape enables it to be more compact and
thus it is more resistant to digestion.
4b) The branches result in many terminal glucose
molecules that can be easily hydrolysed for use during
cellular respiration or added to for storage.
4c) The branching enables more free ends where
glucose molecules can either be added or removed
allowing for condensation and hydrolysis reactions to
occur more rapidly thus the storage or release of
glucose can suit the demands of the cell.
5a)
Feature
Amylose
Amylopectin
Glycogen
Type of
Linkage
1,4-glycosidic
bonds
1,4-glycosidic
and 1,6glycosidic
bonds
1,4-glycosidic
and 1,6glycosidic
bonds
Monomer
α-glucose
α-glucose
α-glucose
Feature
Amylose
Amylopectin
Glycogen
Storage
Long-term
storage of
energy in plants,
forms a helical
structure due to
α-1,4-glycosidic
bonds
Storage of
energy in plants,
readily
mobilisable,
branched
structure with
α-1,4 and α-1,6
linkages
Main storage
form of glucose
in animals,
highly branched
with α-1,4 and
α-1,6 linkages
Resistance to
Digestion
More easily
digestible due
to linear
structure
Moderately
resistant due to
branching and
occasional
linear chains
Moderately
resistant due to
extensive
branching
Energy
Provides a
steady release
of glucose over
time
Readily
mobilisable for
quick energy
release
Rapid
mobilisation of
glucose during
high energy
demand
5b)
to linear
structure
branching and
occasional
linear chains
extensive
branching
Energy
Provides a
steady release
of glucose over
time
Readily
mobilisable for
quick energy
release
Rapid
mobilisation of
glucose during
high energy
demand
Digestion
Enzymes
Susceptible to
amylase
Requires both
amylase and
branching
enzymes for
digestion
Requires
multiple
enzymes for
efficient
breakdown
6a)
Aspect
Importance in Human Nutrition and
Health
Energy Storage and Release
Knowing how carbohydrates store
and release energy helps provide
the best fuel for our bodies.
Glycogen in muscles and the liver
gives a quick energy boost during
activities.
Easy Digestion and Blood Sugar
Understanding carb structures
helps choose foods that are easy
to digest. Simple sugars in sweets
can quickly raise blood sugar
levels, while complex carbs in
whole foods provide a steadier
release.
7a)
7b)
Scanned Documents
8a) The formation of a glycosidic bond during the
polymerisation of glucose molecules involves a
condensation reaction . In this process, a water
molecule is gotten rid off as the glycosidic bond is
formed between two glucose monomers. The reaction
happens between the hydroxyl (OH) group on the C1
carbon of one glucose molecule and the hydroxyl group
on the C4 carbon of another glucose molecule.
8b) Helix shape amylose provides stability for storage,
while branched amylopectin and glycogen enable
efficient energy storage and rapid mobilisation.