Glycogen is the main polysaccharide in animal cells. It is a highly branched molecule with a very complex three-dimensional structure. Glycogen plays an important role in animal cells. It can provide energy when cells need it.
2. Starch is also a polysaccharide in animal cells, but it is different from glycogen. Starch is a linear molecule without branches, and its constituent unit is glucose. Starch is mainly used as energy reserve in animal cells. When animal cells do not have enough glucose supply, starch will decompose to provide energy.
3. Besides being an energy reserve, starch also plays other important roles in animal cells. For example, it can be used as a part of cell matrix to maintain cell morphology and stability. In addition, starch can also be used as a signal molecule to participate in intercellular communication and regulation.
4. Compared with plant cells, there are fewer kinds of polysaccharides in animal cells, but their functions and functions are different. There are many kinds of polysaccharides in plant cells, including starch, cellulose and hemicellulose, which play an important role in plant growth, development and energy storage.
Function of polysaccharide
1, providing energy: polysaccharide is one of the main energy storage substances in organisms. For example, glycogen in animal cells can be used as a storage form of glucose, which can be decomposed into monosaccharides when needed, and enter the energy metabolism pathway to provide energy for life activities.
2, constitute the cell wall: polysaccharide is one of the main components of plant cell wall, called cellulose. It provides protection and support for plant cells and helps to maintain the morphology and stability of cells.
3. Formation of mucopolysaccharides: Some polysaccharides combine with protein and other molecules to form mucopolysaccharides. These mucopolysaccharides have important biological functions in organisms, such as regulating intercellular interaction and signal transmission.
4. Regulating immune response: Polysaccharide has immunomodulatory effect, which can stimulate the activity of immune cells and enhance the defense ability of immune system. For example, some polysaccharides have anti-infection, anti-tumor and anti-virus activities, which help to improve the body's immunity.
5. Promote cell growth and differentiation: Polysaccharide can be used as a regulator of cell growth and differentiation. For example, some polysaccharides can promote cell adhesion and proliferation, and promote cell differentiation, maturation and functional expression.