Polysaccharide

Starch

Starch: Polymer of $$\alpha\text{-D-glucose}$$.

• Amylose: Water-soluble, linear chain held by $$\alpha(1 \to 4)$$ linkages $$15\text{--}20\%$$).
• Amylopectin: Water-insoluble, branched polymer with $$\alpha(1 \to 4)$$ main chain and $$\alpha(1 \to 6)$$ branch points every $$20\text{--}25$$ glucose units ($$80\text{--}85\%$$).

Cellulose

Unbranched structural polymer of $$\beta\text{-D-glucose}$$ connected via $$\beta(1 \to 4)$$ glycosidic linkages.

Glycogen (Animal Starch)

Highly branched polymer of $$\alpha\text{-D-glucose}$$ with $$\alpha(1 \to 4)$$ linear and $$\alpha(1 \to 6)$$ branch linkages (more branched than amylopectin).