Polysaccharide: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when discussing scientific or nutritional contexts where the molecular structure and function of carbohydrates are being described.

• Starch is a polysaccharide that is important for energy storage in plants
• Scientists study polysaccharides to understand their role in human health

Commonly used in dietary and health discussions to refer to carbohydrates that provide sustained energy and are found in foods like whole grains, legumes, and vegetables.

• Brown rice is a good source of complex carbohydrates
• Eating complex carbohydrates can help maintain steady blood sugar levels

Typically used in biochemical and physiological studies to refer to molecules composed of sugar chains, especially in the context of glycoproteins and cell membranes.

• Glycans play a crucial role in cell-cell communication
• Researchers are exploring the glycan profiles of cancer cells