Starch is an effective storage molecule due to its insolubility, compact helical structure for dense packing, provision of glucose for respiration, and branching that allows for quick enzymatic breakdown.
Starch is a good storage molecule because it is insoluble, preventing osmotic issues; it is compact or coiled, allowing high density storage; it provides glucose for respiration; and its branching allows rapid enzyme breakdown.
| Front | Describe and explain two features of starch that make it a good storage molecule. (2 marks) |
|---|---|
| Back | Any two from: 1. Insoluble (in water), so doesn't affect water potential; 2. Branched / coiled / (α-)helix, so makes molecule compact; OR Branched / coiled / (α-)helix so can fit many (molecules) in small area; 3. Polymer of (α-)glucose so provides glucose for respiration; 4. Branched / more ends for fast breakdown / enzyme action; 5. Large (molecule), so can't cross the cell membrane |
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