Forensic Chemistry > 2. Analysis of organic material can distinguish plant and animal material > Distinguishing Between Plant And Animal Carbohydrates’ Composition >
Distinguish between plant and animal carbohydrates’ composition in terms of the presence of Cellulose, Starch, Glycogen
Cellulose
– works for structural support
– consists of repeating units of glucose linked by β-1,4 glycosidic bonds
– structural component of cell walls in plants
Starch
– energy storage in plants
– source of energy for animals
– consists of repeating units of glucose which has two types:
- Amylose (about 20%)
– linear polymer joined by α-1,4 glycosidic bonds
2. Amylopectin (about 80%)
– branched polymer joined by α-1,4 and α-1,6 glycosidic bonds
Glycogen
– branched repeating units of glucose
– has similarities in properties and functions of starch
– energy storage in animals
– mostly found in liver and muscles
– synthesized by animals from glucose which served as a short term energy storage
