Final answer:
Polysaccharides can be found in the capsule of bacteria as well as the extracellular matrix of animals, providing protection and structural support.
Step-by-step explanation:
Polysaccharides can be found in the capsule of bacteria as well as the extracellular matrix of animals. This statement is true.
In bacteria, capsules are a type of glycocalyx composed of an organized layer of polysaccharides that provide protection and enable the cell to attach to surfaces. The presence of capsules can help bacteria evade the immune system and cause infections. In animals, the extracellular matrix is made up of carbohydrates and proteins and serves as a structural support, maintaining shape and stability.
Examples of polysaccharides in bacterial capsules include peptidoglycan subunits in the cell wall and N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) and N-acetyl muramic acid (NAM) in peptidoglycan. In the extracellular matrix of animals, proteoglycans and collagen are important components.