C.3.4

=List the major functions of polysaccharides in the body.=

The major functions of polysaccharides in the body: 1. Energy sources 2. Energy storage (stored as glycogen in animals and starch in plants) 3. (Precursors) Used to make other molecules like nuclei acids

They are also present in the plasma membranes of animal and bacterial cells.

Structures of some polysaccharides: Lactose, Maltose, Sucrose, Amylose, Amylopectin

http://www.bact.wisc.edu/Microtextbook/images/book_4/chapter_2/2-3.gif The secondary structure of the polysaccharides range from the helical structure of amylose to the planar structure of cellulose. http://cnx.org/content/m15344/latest/