Cellulose and starch are similar in that they are both polymers of glucose.Cellulose, however, forms sheet-like structures, which give rigidity to a plant, whereas starch forms spirals.What accounts for this difference in macroscopic structure?
A) Cellulose is composed of D-glucose, whereas starch is composed of L-glucose.
B) Cellulose and starch are connected together on different carbons.
C) Cellulose is composed of L-glucose, whereas starch is composed of D-glucose.
D) Cellulose has a β-(1→4)linkage, whereas starch has an α-(1→4)linkage.
E) Starch has a β-(1→4)linkage, whereas cellulose has an α-(1→4)linkage.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The difference in macroscopic structure between cellulose and starch is due to the type of glycosidic linkage they have. Cellulose has β-(1→4) glycosidic linkages, which allow it to form straight, rigid structures. Starch has α-(1→4) glycosidic linkages, which result in its ability to form spirals.

Cellulose and Starch Are Similar in That They Are Both