Which of the following is a structural polysaccharide found in plants?

Which of the following is a structural polysaccharide found in plants?

• A. Amylopectin
• B. Starch
• C. Cellulose
• D. Glycogen

Answer: (C)

Cellulose is a structural polysaccharide that plays a crucial role in the composition of plant cell walls. It is composed of long chains of glucose molecules linked together by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds, which creates a rigid structure that provides support and strength to the plant. This structural integrity is essential for maintaining the shape of plant cells and protecting them from external stress. In contrast, amylopectin and starch are polysaccharides that serve as energy storage in plants. While they are important for energy supply, they do not provide structural support. Glycogen, on the other hand, is a storage polysaccharide found in animals, not plants. Therefore, cellulose is the only option that fulfills the role of a structural polysaccharide specifically in the context of plants.

Cellulose is a structural polysaccharide that plays a crucial role in the composition of plant cell walls. It is composed of long chains of glucose molecules linked together by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds, which creates a rigid structure that provides support and strength to the plant. This structural integrity is essential for maintaining the shape of plant cells and protecting them from external stress.

In contrast, amylopectin and starch are polysaccharides that serve as energy storage in plants. While they are important for energy supply, they do not provide structural support. Glycogen, on the other hand, is a storage polysaccharide found in animals, not plants. Therefore, cellulose is the only option that fulfills the role of a structural polysaccharide specifically in the context of plants.