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BIO NMDCAT Carbohydrates
nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

The difference in the structural role of cellulose and the nutritional role of starch is fundamentally due to the

A. Number of carbon atoms in the monosaccharide monomer
B. Anomeric configuration (α vs β) of the glycosidic linkage between the glucose monomers
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C. Presence or absence of nitrogen in the monomer
D. Solubility of the final polymer in lipids

📝 Explanation

The α-1,4 linkage in starch produces a helical chain that is flexible and digestible. The β-1,4 linkage in cellulose produces a straight, rigid chain that can form strong inter-chain hydrogen bonds, making it structural and indigestible to organisms lacking cellulase.

📖 Additional Information

  • Number of carbon atoms in the monosaccharide monomer
  • Anomeric configuration (α vs β) of the glycosidic linkage between the glucose monomers
  • Presence or absence of nitrogen in the monomer
  • Solubility of the final polymer in lipids

The α-1,4 linkage in starch produces a helical chain that is flexible and digestible. The β-1,4 linkage in cellulose produces a straight, rigid chain that can form strong inter-chain hydrogen bonds, making it structural and indigestible to organisms lacking cellulase.

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