Polysaccharide
Carbohydrates that are made up of more than two monosaccharides
A polysaccharide is a type of carbohydrate that is composed of a large number of sugar molecules (monosaccharides) bonded together. These chains can be linear or branched, and can consist of hundreds to thousands of individual sugar molecules.
Polysaccharides are known for their ability to store energy in the form of starch in plants and glycogen in animals. They also provide structural support to cells and tissues in the form of cellulose in plants and chitin in insects and fungi.
Some common examples of polysaccharides include:
– Starch: A glucose polymer produced by plants as a means of storing energy.
– Glycogen: A highly branched glucose polymer produced by animals as a means of storing energy.
– Cellulose: A linear glucose polymer that provides structural support to plant cell walls.
– Chitin: A linear glucose polymer that provides structural support to the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans, as well as the cell walls of fungi.
Polysaccharides play an important role in the human diet and are a major source of dietary fiber, which is associated with numerous health benefits including improved digestion and reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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