Carbohydrate Structure and Function

The video tutorial explains the role of starch as a polysaccharide energy store in plants, detailing its components, amylose and amylopectin, and their structures. It highlights the differences between amylose and amylopectin, focusing on their glycosidic bonds and energy release capabilities. The tutorial also covers glycogen, the main polysaccharide energy store in animals, comparing its structure and function to amylopectin, and explaining why animals require a more branched structure due to higher metabolic demands.

Where is starch primarily stored in plants?

• In the flowers

• In the stem

• In the leaves and storage organs

• In the roots

What is the primary function of amyloplasts in plant cells?

• To carry out photosynthesis

• To transport water

• To store starch

• To produce proteins

What type of bond connects alpha glucose molecules in amylose?

• 1-4 glycosidic bond

• 1-3 glycosidic bond

• 1-2 glycosidic bond

• 1-6 glycosidic bond

How does the structure of amylose contribute to its function?

• It dissolves easily in water

• It branches frequently for rapid energy release

• It coils into a helix for compact storage

• It forms a straight chain for easy access

What distinguishes amylopectin from amylose?

• Amylopectin is found only in animals

• Amylopectin has 1-6 glycosidic bonds

• Amylopectin is unbranched

• Amylopectin is a protein

Why does amylopectin allow for quicker energy release compared to amylose?

• It is stored in larger quantities

• It is broken down by different enzymes

• It has more accessible ends due to branching

• It is more soluble in water

What is the main polysaccharide energy store in animals?

• Chitin

• Glycogen

• Cellulose

• Starch

How does the structure of glycogen differ from amylopectin?

• Glycogen is less branched

• Glycogen has more frequent branching

• Glycogen is a linear molecule

• Glycogen is not found in animals

Why do animals require glycogen instead of starch for energy storage?

• Animals do not photosynthesize

• Animals have higher metabolic demands

• Glycogen is easier to digest

• Glycogen is more abundant in nature

What is a key reason for the higher energy demands in animals compared to plants?

• Animals are larger than plants

• Animals have a higher water content

• Animals have more complex cells

• Animals are more mobile and active