Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Belyasova, N.A. 2002

Structure and Functions of Cellular Components
Cellular Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are long polymer chains built of monosaccharide residues linked together by glycosidic bonds. They are present in all Cells, where they primarily perform structural, receptor, and protective Functions, as well as serve as energy storage (reserve) substances.

Polysaccharides can be composed of various Monosaccharides, though the six-carbon sugar (hexose) D-glucose is the most common. A glycosidic bond is formed through the interaction of two monosaccharides during a dehydration reaction (Fig. 5.1). Different carbon atoms of the MONOSACCHARIDES AND THEIR substituents can participate in The formation of this ether bond. The designation of a glycosidic bond includes: THE POSITION OF the hydroxyl group at the first carbon atom (a or ß), as well as the number of the carbon atom in the molecule of the second monosaccharide residue. For example, an a(1→4) bond is formed between the oxygen atom at carbon atom 1 in the a-position of one monosaccharide residue and carbon atom 4 of the other monosaccharide residue (Fig. 5.1).

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Fig. 5.1. Formation of glycosidic bonds 100

The most common glycosidic Bonds Found in natural polysaccharides are a(1→4), a(1→6), ß(1→4), and ß(1→3) types.



Last update: 06/08/2026

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