A Level Biology Practice Exam

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What best describes an amylopectin molecule?

  1. A long straight chain of glucose molecules

  2. A branched polysaccharide with specific glycosidic bonds

  3. A constituent of cellulose in plants

  4. Composed solely of fructose units

The correct answer is: A branched polysaccharide with specific glycosidic bonds

An amylopectin molecule is best described as a branched polysaccharide with specific glycosidic bonds. Amylopectin is one of the two components of starch, the other being amylose. It is characterized by its branched structure, which enables it to have numerous endpoints for enzyme action, facilitating quicker release of glucose when energy is needed. The specific glycosidic bonds refer to the types of linkages between glucose units, primarily α-1,4-glycosidic bonds in the linear chains and α-1,6-glycosidic bonds at the branch points, which distinguish it from other polysaccharides like cellulose. This structural complexity allows amylopectin to store energy efficiently in plants.

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