Understand the structural composition of starch and cellulose: Both starch and cellulose are polysaccharides composed of glucose units, but their structural differences arise from the type of glycosidic bonds connecting these glucose units.
Learn about glycosidic bonds: Glycosidic bonds are covalent bonds that link monosaccharides together. In starch, the glucose units are connected by α(1→4) glycosidic bonds, while in cellulose, the glucose units are connected by β(1→4) glycosidic bonds.
Visualize the difference between α and β glycosidic bonds: α(1→4) bonds result in a helical structure, which is characteristic of starch, whereas β(1→4) bonds result in a straight, rigid structure, which is characteristic of cellulose.
Relate the structural differences to biological function: Starch's helical structure makes it suitable for energy storage in plants, while cellulose's rigid structure provides structural support in plant cell walls.
Conclude the key structural difference: The correct answer is that starch contains α(1→4) glycosidic bonds, while cellulose contains β(1→4) glycosidic bonds, which is the defining feature that distinguishes these two polysaccharides.