A Level Biology Practice Exam

What are polysaccharides made of?

1. Fatty acids

2. Amino acids

3. Monosaccharides

4. Nucleotides

The correct answer is: Monosaccharides

Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that are formed by the combination of multiple monosaccharides, which are the simplest forms of carbohydrates. These monosaccharides are linked together through glycosidic bonds in a process known as polymerization. Common examples of polysaccharides include starch, glycogen, and cellulose, all of which serve important structural and energy storage functions in organisms. Understanding that polysaccharides derive their structure and function from the various arrangements and types of monosaccharides they contain is crucial in biology, especially in the context of how energy is stored and used in living organisms. Knowing that polysaccharides are not formed from fatty acids, amino acids, or nucleotides helps clarify their unique role in biological systems as carbohydrate polymers.