Thursday, June 11, 2009

Oligosaccharides And Polysaccharides

When a few (around three to six) monosaccharides are joined together, it is called an oligosaccharide (oligo- meaning "few"). These molecules tend to be used as markers and signals, as well as having some other uses. Many monosaccharides joined together make a polysaccharide. They can be joined together in one long linear chain, or they may be branched. Two of the most common polysaccharides are cellulose and glycogen, both consisting of repeating glucose monomers.* Cellulose is made by plants and is an important structural component of their cell walls. Humans can neither manufacture nor digest it.* Glycogen, on the other hand, is an animal carbohydrate; humans and other animals use it as a form of energy storage

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