It's the major polysaccharide in wood and in structural parts of plants, such as stems and leaves.
Its structure is formed by the linkage of D-glucose molecules through glycosidic beta(1-4) bonds. Here we can see 6 monosaccharide units, but the real molecule is much longer: . Observe its linear, extended structure.
This polysaccharide, that functions as energy storage in plants, is abundant in all starches, such as potato, rice, or wheat.
On its structure two types of components may be appreciated:
Amylose, a linear polysaccharide formed also by D-glucose molecules, but in this case linked by glycosidic alpha(1-4) bonds. Observe its trend to form a coil, hence its molecules are very different to those of cellulose:
Amylopectin, whose chain is similar but branched, due to alpha(1-6) bonds in addition to the alpha(1-4) . Long molecule:
This is the storage polysaccharide in animals; in humans it accumulates specially in the liver..
Its structure is identical to that of amylopectin, except that the branches are more frequent:
It's a polysaccharide forming part of connective tissue (for instance, it is abundant in the cornea).
Its structure is formed by the alternating linkage of beta-D-galactose and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosamine, by glycosidic beta(1-4) and beta(1-3) bonds, with sulphate groups bound to the OH in position 6. Here only 4 monosaccharide unts are shown, but the real molecule is much longer.
You may each monosaccharide on its own color.
It's a polysaccharide synthesized by some algae, that forms part of agar-agar (an ingredient for culture media).
Its structure is formed by the alternating linkage of beta-D-galactose and 3,6-anhydro-alpha-L-galactose, by glycosidic beta(1-4) and alpha(1-3) bonds.