Functions of Polysaccharides
Function of polysaccharide’s are given below:
- Support: Polysaccharides are supportive to the cells. The composition of the cell walls of plants is polysaccharides cellulose, which provides support to the plant’s cell wall. Chitin plays a crucial role in providing support to the extracellular matrix around the cells in insects and fungi.
- Energy Source: Polysaccharides are broken down for the formation of energy in the cells.
- Storage: The food is stored in the form of starch in plants and glycogen in animals.
- Messenger: Several polysaccharides become covalently bonded with lipids and proteins to form glycolipids and glycoproteins. These glycolipids and glycoproteins are used to send messages or signals within and between the cells.
Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates made up of multiple sugar (monosaccharide) units linked together. They are essential macromolecules in biology and serve various functions in living organisms. Polysaccharides play a crucial role in energy storage, structural support, and cellular recognition. Let us have a glance over the topic of polysaccharides.
Table of Content
- What is Polysaccharides?
- Characteristics of Polysaccharides
- Types of Polysaccharides
- Clinical Importance of Both Homoglycans and Heteroglycans
- Structure of Polysaccharides
- Functions of Polysaccharides
- Important Polysaccharides
- Heteropolysaccharides in Archaebacteria