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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the primary structural difference between starch and cellulose?
A
Starch contains fructose units, while cellulose contains glucose units.
B
Starch is composed of α(1→4) glycosidic bonds, while cellulose is composed of β(1→4) glycosidic bonds.
C
Starch is a linear polymer, while cellulose is highly branched.
D
Starch is a polymer of galactose, whereas cellulose is a polymer of glucose.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by identifying the key structural components of starch and cellulose. Both are polysaccharides composed of glucose units, but their structural differences lie in the type of glycosidic bonds and overall arrangement.
Step 2: Understand the glycosidic bond types. Starch is composed of α(1→4) glycosidic bonds, which connect glucose molecules in a linear or branched fashion. Cellulose, on the other hand, is composed of β(1→4) glycosidic bonds, which result in a straight, rigid structure.
Step 3: Analyze the implications of α and β glycosidic bonds. The α(1→4) bonds in starch allow for a helical structure, making it suitable for energy storage. The β(1→4) bonds in cellulose create a linear, fibrous structure, ideal for providing structural support in plant cell walls.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options based on the structural knowledge. For example, starch does not contain fructose units, nor is it a polymer of galactose. Cellulose is not highly branched; it is linear due to its β(1→4) bonds.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is: 'Starch is composed of α(1→4) glycosidic bonds, while cellulose is composed of β(1→4) glycosidic bonds,' as this accurately describes the primary structural difference between the two polysaccharides.