Final answer:
A polysaccharide is a complex carbohydrate made up of monosaccharides linked by glycosidic linkages. The three most important polysaccharides in living organisms are starch, glycogen, and cellulose, which serve functions of energy storage and structural support. The general molecular formula for a polysaccharide is (C6H10O5)n.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is a Polysaccharide?
A polysaccharide is a large and complex carbohydrate molecule composed of long chains of monosaccharides (simple sugars) linked together by glycosidic linkages. These large molecules play various roles in living organisms, with functions ranging from energy storage to providing structural support.
The 3 Most Important Polysaccharides
The three most important polysaccharides found in living organisms are starch, glycogen, and cellulose (often referred to as fiber). Starch and glycogen are used primarily for energy storage in plants and animals, respectively, while cellulose provides structural support in plant cell walls.
Molecular Formula for a Polysaccharide
It is not practical to give a specific molecular formula for a polysaccharide since they can vary in length. However, the general formula for a polysaccharide composed entirely of glucose units is (C6H10O5)n, where 'n' represents the number of glucose units in the chain.