Final answer:
Amylose is a linear polysaccharide while amylopectin is branched. Amylose is made of glucose monomers connected by α-1,4-glycosidic linkages, forming a helical structure. Amylopectin has additional α-1,6-glycosidic bonds for branching, which changes its conformation and interaction with iodine.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference in the structure of amylopectin and amylose is due to the way glucose monomers are linked in each. The correct answer to why there is a difference in structure between them is: b) Amylose is linear, while amylopectin is branched.
Amylose consists of unbranched chains of glucose monomers connected by α-1,4-glycosidic linkages. This configuration allows it to form a spiral due to hydrogen bonding. On the other hand, amylopectin is a branched-chain polysaccharide. The glucose units in amylopectin are primarily linked by α-1,4-glycosidic bonds with occasional α-1,6-glycosidic bonds providing the branching points, which occur about every 25-30 units. This branching results in a less intense reddish brown color with iodine, compared to the deep blue-violet color amylose produces.