Page 152 - The Manga Guide to Biochemistry

The difference between Amylose and amylopectin

So we know that the difference between these two starches is the way in which their
glucose molecules are connected. Specifically, the shape of amylose is straight, and
the shape of amylopectin is branched.

Straight? Branched? I have no idea what you’re talking about...

Amylose is formed when glucose molecules are connected in a straight line via a
method called the α(1→4) glycosidic bond.

OO O

OO O O
α(1→4) glycosidic bond

Amylose

Oh, the glucose molecules are lined up in a row. That makes sense.

However, in amylopectin, there are places where glucose molecules are connected
via another process called the α(1→6) glycosidic bond.

CH2OH CH2OH CH2OH
O O O

O O α(1→6) glycosidic bond
O
CH2OH CH2OH
O O CH2 CH2OH CH2OH

OOO

OOOO O

amylopectin

138 Chapter 3