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Multiple Choice
What is the major structural difference between amylose and glycogen?
A
Amylose is a linear polymer of glucose, while glycogen is highly branched.
B
Amylose is composed of β(1→4) linkages, while glycogen contains only α(1→6) linkages.
C
Amylose contains fructose units, while glycogen contains only glucose units.
D
Glycogen is a linear polymer, while amylose is highly branched.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by identifying the key structural components of amylose and glycogen. Amylose is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units linked primarily by α(1→4) glycosidic bonds, forming a linear structure. Glycogen, on the other hand, is also composed of glucose units but includes both α(1→4) glycosidic bonds for linear chains and α(1→6) glycosidic bonds at branch points, making it highly branched.
Step 2: Clarify the type of glycosidic linkages present in each molecule. Amylose contains only α(1→4) linkages, while glycogen contains both α(1→4) and α(1→6) linkages. This difference in linkage types contributes to the structural variation between the two molecules.
Step 3: Address the misconception in the problem statement regarding β(1→4) linkages. Amylose does not contain β(1→4) linkages; it is composed of α(1→4) linkages. β(1→4) linkages are found in cellulose, not amylose.
Step 4: Discuss the branching pattern. Amylose is linear and unbranched, while glycogen is highly branched due to the presence of α(1→6) linkages at branch points. This branching allows glycogen to be more compact and efficient for energy storage.
Step 5: Conclude by emphasizing that both amylose and glycogen are composed of glucose units, not fructose. The problem statement incorrectly suggests that amylose contains fructose units, which is not true. Both molecules are glucose-based polysaccharides with distinct structural differences.