Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

20. Carbohydrates

Polysaccharides

GOB Chemistry

20. Carbohydrates

Polysaccharides

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3:21 minutes

Problem 84

Textbook Question

Glycogen and amylopectin are both branched polymers of glucose. Read the descriptions of each in Section 6.6. Which molecule has a more compact structure? Explain.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the structure of glycogen. Glycogen is a highly branched polymer of glucose, primarily found in animals. It consists of α(1→4) linked glucose units with α(1→6) linkages at the branch points.

Step 2: Understand the structure of amylopectin. Amylopectin is a component of starch, found in plants, and is also a branched polymer of glucose. It has a similar structure to glycogen, with α(1→4) linked glucose units and α(1→6) linkages at the branch points, but it is less branched than glycogen.

Step 3: Compare the branching frequency. Glycogen has branches approximately every 8-12 glucose units, while amylopectin has branches approximately every 24-30 glucose units.

Step 4: Analyze the impact of branching on compactness. The more frequent branching in glycogen results in a more compact and dense structure compared to amylopectin.

Step 5: Conclude which molecule is more compact. Based on the branching frequency and structure, glycogen is more compact than amylopectin due to its higher degree of branching.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Glycogen Structure

Glycogen is a highly branched polymer of glucose, primarily found in animals. Its structure allows for rapid release of glucose when energy is needed, as the numerous branching points provide multiple sites for enzymatic action. This extensive branching contributes to its compactness, enabling efficient storage in limited space.

Amylopectin Structure

Amylopectin is a component of starch and also a branched polymer of glucose, but it has fewer branches compared to glycogen. The branching occurs approximately every 24 to 30 glucose units, resulting in a less compact structure than glycogen. This difference in branching frequency affects its solubility and the way it is stored in plants.

Compactness in Polymers

The compactness of a polymer like glycogen or amylopectin is influenced by its branching structure. More branches typically lead to a more compact arrangement, as seen in glycogen, which can fold and pack tightly. In contrast, the less frequent branching in amylopectin results in a more extended and less dense structure, affecting its physical properties and storage efficiency.

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