114k views
3 votes
Define "Homoglycan" and "Heteroglycan" and give an example of each

User Maulzey
by
8.1k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Answer:

Polysaccharides, also known as glycans, are the polymers of carbohydrate. These polymers are composed of the monosaccharide monomeric units that are joined together by glycosidic bonds.

A polysaccharide molecule composed of the same type of monosaccharide units is known as homopolysaccharide or homoglycan.

Example: Cellulose, glycogen, and cellulose.

Whereas, a polysaccharide molecule composed of more than type of monosaccharide is known as heteropolysaccharides or heteroglycans.

Examples: Hyaluronic acid and heparin

User Enzuguri
by
8.3k points