polysaccharide
Carbohydrates that are made up of more than two monosaccharides
Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that are made up of multiple monosaccharide units linked together through glycosidic bonds. They are commonly found in plants, animals, and microorganisms and serve various functions such as energy storage, structural support, and cellular recognition.
Some examples of polysaccharides include:
1. Starch – a storage polysaccharide found in plants, comprising of glucose units linked together. Starch is a major source of carbohydrates in human diets.
2. Glycogen – a storage polysaccharide found in animals and bacteria that is similar in structure to starch but has more extensive branching. It serves as a source of glucose in muscle and liver cells.
3. Cellulose – a structural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants, providing rigidity and support. It is composed of long, unbranched chains of glucose molecules.
4. Chitin – a structural polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and in the cell walls of fungi. It is similar in structure to cellulose but has nitrogen-containing groups attached to the glucose units.
Overall, polysaccharides play important roles in many biological processes and are essential components of a variety of food sources.
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