Think of polysaccharides as nature's "bank account" for storing energy. These are where plants and animals deposit their energy for future use!

• Starch = the energy store in plants.

• Composed of α-glucose molecules, which are great for both aerobic (with oxygen) and anaerobic (without oxygen) respiration.

• Types of Starch: a. Amylose

  • Simple structure: a helical chain (like a spring) because of 1→4 glycosidic bonds.

  • No branches here, just a straightforward coil. b. Amylopectin:

  • Similar to Amylose but with occasional branches because of some 1→6 glycosidic bonds.

  • This branching means glucose can be added or removed faster. It's like having multiple ATM machines for your bank account!

• Glycogen = the energy store in animals.
• Structurally, it's a cousin of Amylopectin
  • Built from α-glucose molecules with 1→4 glycosidic bonds.
  • Branches out using 1→6 bonds.
  • Fun Fact: Glycogen is more branched than Amylopectin. Imagine a tree (glycogen) vs. a shrub (amylopectin)!

• Want to use the glucose stored in starch or glycogen? No worries!
• A hydrolysis reaction can break the 1→4 glycosidic bond to release a glucose molecule. Think of this like withdrawing money from an ATM.