Complex Carbohydrates and Their Biological Roles
This section delves into the structure and function of more complex carbohydrates, particularly focusing on polysaccharides in both plants and animals.
Definition: Polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharides connected by glycosidic linkages through dehydration synthesis.
Vocabulary: Glycosidic linkages are chemical bonds that join monosaccharides together to form larger carbohydrate molecules.
Example: Plant polysaccharides include cellulose found in cell walls and starch stored in roots and tubers like potatoes.
Highlight: Glycogen serves as the primary carbohydrate storage molecule in animals, particularly in liver and muscle tissue.
Quote: "Cellulose provides structural support in plant cell walls but is not digestible by animals."



