Starch (polysaccharide)

Created by: Keira's Timetable
Created on: 19-09-22 16:30

Where is starch found?

Only in plants.

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What is the structure of starch?

- Unbranched structure
- All OH groups point inwards + form hydrogen bonds.
-The hydrogen bonds result in the structure being a tightly coiled chain.

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Starch polymerisation:

-The monomer of starch is alpha glucose.
-The OH groups are all on the bottom of the chain.
-The chain can be unbranched or lightly branched.

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Starch structure relation to function:

- Is an energy store.

- Tightly coiled = compact so lots can be stored.

- Insoluble= doesn't affect water potential, so water doesn't enter cells by osmosis.

-Large = doesn't diffuse out of cells.

- Hydrolised to alpha glucose = readily available for

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How does the structure relate to the metabolism of plants?

It is lightly branched - compared to glycogen. This means that there are less branches for enzymes to act on and release alpha glucose.

This leads to less respiration. Plants have a lower metabolic rate than animals as they are less active; therefore, th

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What is the structure of starch?

Back

- Unbranched structure
- All OH groups point inwards + form hydrogen bonds.
-The hydrogen bonds result in the structure being a tightly coiled chain.

Card 3

Front

Starch polymerisation:

Back

Card 4

Front

Starch structure relation to function:

Back

Card 5

Front

How does the structure relate to the metabolism of plants?

Back

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Starch (polysaccharide)