The enzyme amylase can break glycosidic linkages between glucose monomers only if the monomers are in the α form. Which of the following could amylase break down?
A) glycogen, starch, and amylopectin
B) glycogen and cellulose
C) cellulose and chitin
D) starch, chitin, and cellulose

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Amylase can break down glycogen, starch, and amylopectin because they all contain glucose monomers linked by α glycosidic bonds, which amylase specifically targets. Cellulose and chitin have β glycosidic linkages, which amylase cannot break down.

The Enzyme Amylase Can Break Glycosidic Linkages Between Glucose Monomers