Multiple Choice
Polymers formed of many simple sugars are classified as:
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1. Introduction to Biochemistry
Carbohydrates
Multiple Choice
The subunits (monomers) in cellulose are linked together by which type of glycosidic bond?
A
α(1→4) glycosidic bonds
B
β(1→6) glycosidic bonds
C
α(1→6) glycosidic bonds
D
β(1→4) glycosidic bonds
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of cellulose: Cellulose is a polysaccharide composed of glucose monomers. These monomers are linked together in a specific way to form the polymer.
Recall the type of glycosidic bond in cellulose: In cellulose, glucose monomers are connected by β(1→4) glycosidic bonds. This means the bond forms between the β-anomeric carbon (carbon 1) of one glucose molecule and the hydroxyl group on carbon 4 of the next glucose molecule.
Differentiate between α and β glycosidic bonds: α-glycosidic bonds occur when the hydroxyl group on the anomeric carbon is below the plane of the glucose ring, while β-glycosidic bonds occur when the hydroxyl group is above the plane of the ring. Cellulose specifically uses β-glycosidic bonds.
Understand the significance of β(1→4) bonds: These bonds result in a linear, rigid structure that allows cellulose to form strong fibers, which are essential for its role in plant cell walls.
Review the incorrect options: α(1→4) glycosidic bonds are found in starch, β(1→6) glycosidic bonds are less common and typically found in branching polysaccharides, and α(1→6) glycosidic bonds are found in glycogen. None of these apply to cellulose.
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