Question
What are polysacharides and state their functions?
Solution
Polysaccharides are long chains of sugars containing monosachharides as building blocks. If it is composed of the same monosaccharide it is called a homopolymer like cellulose. Heteropolymers contains different monosaccharide units. For eg starch
Polysaccharides perform various functions -
(1) Source of energy - polysaccharides are broken down to produce energy in the cells.
Polysaccharides perform various functions -
(1) Source of energy - polysaccharides are broken down to produce energy in the cells.
(2) Storage - The food is stored in the form of starch in plants and in the form of glycogen in animals.
(3)Structural support - Cellulose is the structural material of plants.
(4) Protective covering - Exoskeleton of the arthropods are made of polysaccharide chitin.
