Question

What type of glycosidic linkages are present in amylose?

• A. $\alpha$-1,4
• B. $\alpha$-1,6
• C. $\alpha$-1,4 and $\alpha$-1,6
• D. $\beta$-1,4 and $\alpha$-1,6

Hint:

To remember carbohydrate structures:
- Cellulose: Linear, entirely $\beta$-1,4.
- Amylose: Linear, entirely $\alpha$-1,4.
- Amylopectin Glycogen: Branched, featuring both $\alpha$-1,4 (for the straight chains) and $\alpha$-1,6 (for the branch points).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Starch consists of two components: Amylose and Amylopectin. Both are polymers of $\alpha$-D-glucose.

Step 2: Formula Application:
Linkages determine if the chain is linear or branched.

Step 3: Explanation:
Amylose is the linear, water-soluble component of starch. It consists of glucose units joined solely by $\alpha$-1,4-glycosidic linkages. Amylopectin, the branched component, contains both $\alpha$-1,4 (linear) and $\alpha$-1,6 (branching) linkages.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Amylose contains only $\alpha$-1,4 glycosidic linkages.