The covalent link between sugar units formed by condensation, alpha in starch and beta in cellulose.
A glycosidic bond joins the anomeric carbon of one sugar to a hydroxyl of another. Alpha 1-4 links create coiled chains (starch, glycogen), alpha 1-6 creates branches and beta 1-4 produces straight chains (cellulose).
Human enzymes cut alpha but not beta linkages, which is why we cannot digest cellulose.
The covalent link between sugar units formed by condensation, alpha in starch and beta in cellulose.
Glycosidic Bond is one of the 51 topics in Biomolecules & Biochemistry. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Condensation and Hydrolysis, Polysaccharides, Starch vs Cellulose.
Ruminants rely on microbes that make cellulase.
Work through the Beginner topics in Biomolecules & Biochemistry first, such as Water Properties, Carbon Chemistry, Carbohydrates, then return to Glycosidic Bond. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to Glycosidic Bond are Condensation and Hydrolysis, Polysaccharides, Starch vs Cellulose, Carbon Chemistry. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Glycosidic Bond. To practise the whole of Biomolecules & Biochemistry, use the Biomolecules & Biochemistry quiz.
Glycosidic Bond: The covalent link between sugar units formed by condensation, alpha in starch and beta in cellulose. Condensation and Hydrolysis: Dehydration synthesis joins monomers by removing water, while hydrolysis splits polymers by adding water. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Condensation and Hydrolysis and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biomolecules & Biochemistry quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Dehydration synthesis joins monomers by removing water, while hydrolysis splits polymers by adding water.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryLong chains of sugar units, including starch, glycogen, cellulose and chitin, used for storage and structure.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryStarch has alpha-glucose helices for storage; cellulose has straight beta-glucose chains forming strong fibres.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryCarbon forms four covalent bonds, allowing chains, rings and the huge variety of organic molecules in living things.
⚗️ Biomolecules & Biochemistry