Polysaccharide
Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
A complex carbohydrate is a large molecule made from simple sugars.
About Complex Carbohydrates
- Complex carbohydrates are an essential part of a balanced diet.
- Starch is a complex carbohydrate made from glucose which can be digested by humans.
- Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate, also known as fibre, that cannot be digested but is part of a balanced diet as it helps the movement of faeces through the intestines.
Key Stage 4
Meaning
A polysaccharide is a large polymer molecule made from simple monomer sugars bonded together.
About Polysaccharides
- Polysaccharides are formed in a polymerisation reaction between monosaccharides.
Some polysaccharides you should know are:
Starch
Starch Molecule
 |
| A starch molecule made of many smaller glucose molecules. |
References
AQA
- Polysaccharide, pages 252-3, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA
- Polysaccharides, pages 172-173, GCSE Chemistry; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA