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Multiple Choice
Which two types of glycosidic bonds are found in both glycogen and amylopectin?
A
$\alpha(1\rightarrow4)$ and $\alpha(1\rightarrow6)$
B
$\beta(1\rightarrow4)$ and $\alpha(1\rightarrow6)$
C
$\beta(1\rightarrow4)$ and $\beta(1\rightarrow6)$
D
$\alpha(1\rightarrow4)$ and $\beta(1\rightarrow6)$
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the structure of glycogen and amylopectin. Both are polysaccharides composed of glucose units and serve as energy storage molecules in organisms. Glycogen is found in animals, while amylopectin is a component of starch in plants.
Step 2: Recall the types of glycosidic bonds. Glycosidic bonds are covalent bonds formed between carbohydrate molecules. The two main types of glycosidic bonds in polysaccharides are: (1) α(1→4), which connects glucose units in a linear chain, and (2) α(1→6), which forms branch points in the structure.
Step 3: Analyze the branching structure. Both glycogen and amylopectin are branched polysaccharides. The linear chains are connected by α(1→4) glycosidic bonds, while the branch points are formed by α(1→6) glycosidic bonds.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. Glycogen and amylopectin do not contain β(1→4) or β(1→6) glycosidic bonds, as these are typically found in other polysaccharides like cellulose. Additionally, there are no β(1→6) bonds in their structure.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is α(1→4) and α(1→6) glycosidic bonds, as these are the two types of bonds found in both glycogen and amylopectin.