Final answer:
The key structural difference between starch and cellulose that supports their functions is the linkages between monomers. Starch has α-1,4 and α-1,6 glycosidic bonds, while cellulose has ß-1,4-glycosidic bonds.
Step-by-step explanation:
Starch and cellulose are examples of the functions of polysaccharides, where the key structural differences that support these functions are the linkages between monomers. Starch, which serves as the storage form of energy in plants, is composed of the polymers amylose (linear) and amylopectin (branched), both made of glucose units. Cellulose, on the other hand, is a structural component also comprised of glucose units but is characterized by its linear arrangement and ß-1,4-glycosidic bonds, which contrasts with the α-1,4 and α-1,6 glycosidic linkages found in starch and glycogen. These differences in linkage result in distinct properties for each polysaccharide, specifically affecting their function in energy storage for starch and glycogen, and providing structural support for cellulose.