Exploring the Four Essential Carbohydrate Polysaccharide Polymers: Functions and Benefits

What are the four carbohydrate polysaccharide polymers? (and their function)

1.Cellulose – Plant cell wall structure2.Chitin – Fungal cell wall structure and exoskeleton of arthropods3.Glycogen- Animal energy storage4.Starch- Plant energy storage

The four carbohydrate polysaccharide polymers are:

1. Starch – Starch is a complex carbohydrate that is made up of glucose and is produced by plants. It serves as an important source of energy for the human body. Humans and animals cannot digest the cellulose in starch, but it can be broken down into glucose by enzymes in the digestive tract.

2. Cellulose – Cellulose is also a complex carbohydrate that is made up of glucose units. It is found in the cell walls of plants and provides structural support. It is an insoluble fiber that is not digested by humans.

3. Glycogen – Glycogen is a complex carbohydrate that is made up of glucose units, and it is the primary storage form of glucose in animals. Glycogen is stored in the liver and muscles, and it is broken down into glucose when energy is needed.

4. Chitin – Chitin is a complex carbohydrate that is made up of N-acetylglucosamine units. It is found in the exoskeletons of arthropods (such as insects and crabs) and in the cell walls of some fungi. It provides structural support and protection for these organisms.

Overall, the function of carbohydrate polysaccharide polymers is to provide energy for the body and structural support and protection for various organisms.

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