Chemistry - Biomolecules Question with Solution | TestHub
Which of the following statements regarding the biological importance of the glycosidic linkage in cellulose versus starch is correct?
Options:
Answer:
Solution:
Question Explanation:
The question asks which statement correctly explains the biological significance of the glycosidic linkage difference between cellulose and starch.
Concept Used:
Glycosidic Bond Geometry , Hydrogen Bonding in Polysaccharides , Enzyme Specificity
Answer Explanation:
Cellulose is made of β-D-glucose units connected by β-(1 → 4) glycosidic bonds .
This linkage forces every alternate glucose unit to flip 180° , producing a straight, linear chain .Because of this linear arrangement:
Many intra-chain and inter-chain hydrogen bonds form between hydroxyl groups of neighboring chains.
These hydrogen bonds pack the chains into strong microfibrils .
This gives cellulose high tensile strength , making it ideal for plant cell wall structure .
In contrast, starch (amylose) has α-(1 → 4) glycosidic bonds , which cause the chain to coil into a helix rather than remain linear.Thus, the correct statement is that the β-(1 → 4) linkage in cellulose allows extensive hydrogen bonding that provides high structural strength .
Final Answer:
Option (A) – The β-(1,4) linkage in cellulose allows intra- and inter-chain hydrogen bonding, leading to high tensile strength
