Compare and contrast the structures and starch and cellulose and explain how these relate to their functions in the cell

Both are biological polymers (macromolecules) formed from glucose molecules joined by 1-4 glycosidic bonds.Both are insoluble: good for starch as it does not affect the osmotic potential of the cells in which it is store.Starch is formed from alpha glucose whereas cellulose is formed from beta glucose.In starch, glucose monomers are all in the same orientation, causing an overall bending/twisting effect in the shape of the molecule, allowing more starch to be packed into a smaller area (starch is a storage molecule). In cellulose, alternate glucose monomers are rotated 180 degrees, allowing for an overall straight shape in the molecule, allowing structural conformity and rigidity (cellulose provides structural support in the cell wall).Starch contains branching with branches joined by 1-6 glycosidic bonds: again maximises available space for glucose storage, maximising efficiency as a storage molecule.Many hydrogen bonds form between cellulose chains: individually these bonds are weak but collectively they massively increase the tensile strength of the molecule.