Polysaccharides

Introduction

Polysaccharides are complex biomolecules that are formed by monosaccharides. Common monomer units of polysaccharides include fructose, glucose, galactose and mannose that are simple sugars. The molecular structure of the carbohydrates is either extremely branched or linear. They are usually chain-structure biomolecules. The difference in form and structure enables the components to exhibit distinguished chemical and physical properties. Long chains of monosaccharides form a glycosidic bond to create Polysaccharides. Types of polysaccharides include Homopolysaccharides that contain only one type of sugar in the carbohydrates and Heteropolysaccharides that have more than one type of sugar. 

Some of the most simple forms of Polysaccharides include Galactose, Fructose, Mannose, and Glucose. This article explores the different functions, types, and examples of Polysaccharides.

Functions of Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides have various uses. Listed below are some functions of Polysaccharides: 

1. Polysaccharides are present in several body organs like the liver and muscles. They convert to energy when needed.
2. A form of polysaccharide, known as starch, is found in plants. Starch forms a significant part of plant properties and human food. 
3. Polysaccharides make glycolipids and glycoproteins that send messages within the human body’s cells.
4. Polysaccharides provide structural support to plant cells because the cell walls of the plant cells contain polysaccharides.
5. Polysaccharides like Mushroom Polysaccharides that are natural dietary supplements can be used as natural medicine.
6. Polysaccharides also help in healing the skin and preventing skin diseases.
7. Some polysaccharides like Heparin also work as anticoagulants in blood. 
8. They form a significant part of baking, cooking, and food in general. Polysaccharides bring in the roughage in a balanced diet. 
9. Polysaccharides store energy in plants and animals.
10. Polysaccharides also help in sending cellular communication signals. 

Types of Polysaccharides

There are essentially two types of Polysaccharides—homopolysaccharides and heterosaccharides. Listed below are the types of Polysaccharides and their examples:

Homopolysaccharides:

Homopolysaccharides are the types of polysaccharides that contain only one kind of monosaccharide sugar molecule throughout their composition structure. Some of the most common examples of homopolysaccharides include glycogen, cellulose, starch, and chitin

• Glycogen: Glycogen is a vital monosaccharide. It is multi-branched and made of glucose components. It is an excellent and instant source of glucose, an energy source among bacteria, fungi, and animals. Glycogen acts as a reserve for glucose. Glycogen is usually found in muscles, liver, and fat cells in human beings. Whenever the body is short of energy and requires instant energy, glycogen breaks down into glucose and mixes with the blood flow to boost energy
• Chitin: Chitin comprises large chains of advanced, modified glucose. Exoskeletons of insects, fungi, fish, and invertebrates usually contain chitin. It is the most commonly found homopolysaccharide after cellulose. Chitin has various uses, including paper manufacturing, producing surgical threads, biodegradable plastic, and food additives
• Starch: Starch is a type of polysaccharide that contains a single kind of glucose unit. The simplest forms of starch include polymer amylose. Starch is usually white in colour and powdery in texture. It is used for many purposes including paper manufacturing, sizing paper. Along with these uses, plants also produce starch to store energy  for cell metabolism, and to act as a reserve food supply 
• Cellulose: Cellulose is a molecule that contains multiple chains of glycosides. It usually forms the cell wall of plants and helps the plants stay rigid and upstanding. Cellulose can also create paper and cardboard. Although human beings cannot consume cellulose, it is a fiber part of the human diet. Cellulose is the most commonly found polysaccharide

Heteropolysaccharides: 

Heteropolysaccharides are the second type of polysaccharides. They are components that generally contain two or more monosaccharides. Examples of heteropolysaccharides include Hyaluronic Acid, Heparin, Chondroitin-4-sulfate, and Gamma Globulin. 

• Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid comprises D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and is present in the eyes and the joints of the human body. The acid is used as medicine in dermatology. It reduces lines and wrinkles from the skin and prevents pimples, dry skin, and ulcers. Hyaluronic acid also reduces the problem of dry eyes
• Heparin: The components of heparin include D-glucuronic acid, L-iduronic acid, and N-sulpho-D-glucosamine. It is also known as an anticoagulant or a blood thinner that prevents blood clots. The blood cells in the human body generally contain heparin. The polysaccharide occurs in the form of injections and is also used to treat various medical conditions including lung and heart conditions, blood clotting during surgeries
• Gamma Globulin: Gamma globulin is a heteropolysaccharide occurring in the blood cells of the human body. It comprises N-acetyl-hexosamine, D-mannose, D-galactose. It prevents and treats many diseases like hepatitis A, measles, poliomyelitis, and chickenpox. Gamma globulin is also known as immunoglobulin
• Chondroitin-4-sulfate: Chondroitin-4-sulfate usually comprises D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine-4-sulfate and is present in the cartilage of the human body. Chondroitin-4-sulfate is used to combat health issues like cataracts and osteoarthritis

Other examples of Polysaccharides include glycosaminoglycans or mucopolysaccharides, pentosans, inulin and pectin.

Conclusion

Polysaccharides form a vital part of human beings, plants, and animals. They are involved in general critical factors like fibre constitution in food, strengthening and manufacturing paper, making strings, etc. Polysaccharides also contribute significantly to keeping the plants upright and tight because they form a part of their cell wall. Polysaccharides are used for various kinds of art, paintings and adhesives. They are also present in the umbilical cords of pregnant mothers, jellyfish, shells of lobsters, crabs and other species.