Cellulose and starch are similar in that they are both polymers of glucose. Cellulose, however, forms sheet-like structures, which give rigidity to a plant, whereas starch forms spirals. What accounts for this difference in macroscopic structure?
A) Cellulose is composed of d-glucose, whereas starch is composed of l-glucose.
B) Cellulose and starch are connected together on different carbons.
C) Cellulose is composed of l-glucose, whereas starch is composed of d-glucose.
D) Cellulose has a $\beta$-(1→4) linkage, whereas starch has an $\alpha$-(1→4) linkage.
E) Starch has a$\beta$-(1→4) linkage, whereas cellulose has an $\alpha$-(1→4) linkage.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The difference in macroscopic structure between cellulose and starch is due to the difference in their glycosidic linkages. Cellulose has a beta-glycosidic linkage (F1F1F1S1βF1F1F10-(1→4) linkage) which results in straight chains that can form sheet-like structures, whereas starch has an alpha-glycosidic linkage (F1F1F1S1αF1F1F10-(1→4) linkage) which results in coiled chains that form spirals. The other answer choices are incorrect as they do not accurately explain the difference in macroscopic structure.

Cellulose and Starch Are Similar in That They Are Both β\betaβ

Cellulose and Starch Are Similar in That They Are Both $\beta$