Describe the structure of starch. How does this structure make starch well suited for energy storage?

Starch is a mix of 2 different polysaccharides:1) Amylose: a long chain of α-glucose monomers joined by 1,4-glycosidic bonds. The chain coils in a spiral shape, held together by hydrogen bonds. This shape makes starch well suited to energy storage as it is compact, so takes up little space in the cell, and not very soluble in water, so does not affect the water potential of the cell. 2) Amylopectin: branched chains of α-glucose monomers joined by 1,4-glycosidic bonds and 1,6-glycosidic bonds. The 1,6-glycosidic bonds form the links which make branches.The branches mean there are many glucose molecules accessible on the end of chains which can be easily broken off by hydrolysis for use in respiration. Therefore amylopectin can provide a rapid supply of energy. Branching also makes it compact, it takes up little space in the cell.

MS
Answered by Molly S. Biology tutor

73141 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is a nerve synapse and how does it work?


What happens during the light-dependent reaction?


What's the difference between allopatric and sympatric speciation? What are some evolutionary implications of this?


Explain how a non-competitive enzyme inhibitor effects the rate of a reaction catalsyed by an enzyme?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences