Polysaccharide

Members

1-4 linkage of $α$ glucose monomers in the same orientation

Function: carbohydrate storage in plants

Digestible by most animals (possess digestive enzymes that can hydrolyse starch)

Forms:

1-4 linkage of $β$ glucose monomers in alternating orientation

Function: reinforces cell walls of plants

Non digestible by most animals (lack enzymes)
Cows have bacteria that can break down cellulose

Unbranched

Function: carbohydrate storage in liver and muscle

Branched

Function: reinforces cell walls of some fungi and the exoskeleton of some animals (e.g. beetles, lobsters, crabs)

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