Which of the following is an example of a polysaccharide?

Study for the Penn Foster Biology – The Cell Test. Enhance your understanding with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each equipped with hints and explanations. Prepare to succeed on your exam!

Glycogen is a polysaccharide, which means it is a complex carbohydrate composed of long chains of glucose molecules. Polysaccharides are made up of multiple monosaccharides linked together. Glycogen serves as a significant form of energy storage in animals, primarily found in the liver and muscle tissues. When energy is needed, glycogen can be broken down into glucose, which can then be utilized by the body for various functions.

In contrast, glucose and fructose are examples of monosaccharides, which are the simplest form of carbohydrates consisting of single sugar molecules. Sucrose is a disaccharide, formed from the combination of glucose and fructose. Therefore, glycogen stands out as the only option here that fits the definition of a polysaccharide due to its multiple glucose units connected in a branched chain structure.

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