Unit 2 Worksheet 3

Lesson 3: Polysaccharides: The Polymer Chain

Desired Learning Competencies

At the end of the lesson, the students must have:

1. classified polysaccharides based on their functions;
2. compared structures and functions of different carbohydrates;
3. discussed the importance of carbohydrates to humans;
4. identified hormones involved in the regulation of blood glucose level;
5. computed glycemic index and glycemic load values;
6. performed different methods for qualitative estimation and identification of
carbohydrates.

Pretest

Listed below are characteristics of some biologically important polysaccharides Identify what
polysaccharide is being described in each item. Answers can be taken from the box.

Polysaccharides Nutrition Homoglycans Derived polysaccharides

Glycemic index Chitin Heteroglycans Hyaluronic acid
Starch Glycogen Peptidoglycan Structural polysaccharides
Amylopectin Pectin Chondroitin Glycemic load
Dextran Heparin Hemicellulose Storage polysaccharide
Amylose Cellulose Keratan sulfate Dermatan sulfate

____________________ 1. Highly branched form of starch.

____________________ 2. Main storage polysaccharide of animals.
____________________ 3. A glucan whose repeating unit is cellobiose.
____________________ 4. Storage polysaccharide in yeast and bacteria.
____________________ 5. A homopolymer of D-xylose linked via β (14) bonds.
____________________ 6. A potent natural blood anticoagulant in the mast cells.
____________________ 7. A number that represents the relative rise in the blood glucose level.
____________________ 8. Structural heteropolysaccharide in the primary cell walls of
terrestrial plants.
____________________ 9. Long chain of homopolymer of N-acetylglucosamine usually
present among arthropods.
____________________10. A linear molecule of D-glucose units linked together by an -(14)
glycosidic linkages.

Prepared by: Ricky M. Magno, LPT., Ph.D.

Activate Prior Knowledge

Before we proceed to our discussion, allow me to have a glimpse of your understanding

of the concept of polysaccharides. Below are 24 terms associated with polysaccharides, make a
concept map to show the interrelationships among the given terms. A concept map or
conceptual diagram is a representation that depicts suggested relationships between or among
concepts. It is a graphical tool that instructional designers, engineers, technical writers, and
others use to organize and structure knowledge.

Polysaccharides Nutrition Homoglycans Derived polysaccharides

Glycemic index Chitin Heteroglycans Hyaluronic acid
Starch Glycogen Peptidoglycan Structural polysaccharides
Amylopectin Pectin Chondroitin Glycemic load
Dextran Heparin Hemicellulose Storage polysaccharide
Amylose Cellulose Keratan sulfate Dermatan sulfate

SAQ Aside from glucagon and insulin, there are other hormones involved in the
regulation of blood glucose level. Among these are:
1. Amylin 6. Epinephrine
2. Glucagon-like peptide-1 7. Cortisol
3. Gastric Inhibitory Peptide 8. Adrenocorticotropic hormone
4. Asprosin 9. Growth hormone
5. Somatostatin 10. Thyroxine
Make a tabular presentation of these hormones indicating their respective
(a) tissue of origin, (b) metabolic functions and (c) effects on blood
glucose level.

Application

1. Amylopectin, a form of starch and glycogen are both branched forms of storage
polysaccharides, explain the significance of branching in these structures.

2. Blood samples for research or medical tests sometimes have heparin added. Why does
this take place?

3. A nursing student had 1 medium size apple, 1 cup baked potato and a cup of chocolate
drink for breakfast. What is the total glycemic load of the student after taking his/her
breakfast? Is the glycemic load high, moderate or low?

4. Make a simple case study by virtually interviewing a person having carbohydrate-related

disease/s. The case study shall include the nature or description of the disease, causes,
symptoms, as well as prevention and cure of the disease. Observe protocol and ethical
considerations in gathering and reporting information. (Note: The case study must be

Prepared by: Ricky M. Magno, LPT., Ph.D.

 submitted on or before the end of midterm preferably on the 7th week of the semester.

References:

Aronoff SL, Berkowitz K, Shreiner B, Want L (2004). "Glucose metabolism and regulation:
Beyond insulin and glucagon". Diabetes Spectrum. 17 (3): 183–90.
doi:10.2337/diaspect.17.3.183. Archived from the original on 2019-12-17. Retrieved
2016-12-07.

Das, Sai Krupa; et al. (April 2007). "Long-term effects of 2 energy-restricted diets differing in
glycemic load on dietary adherence, body composition, and metabolism in CALERIE: a 1-
y randomized controlled trial". American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 85 (4):
1023–30. PMID 17413101. Retrieved 8 February 2013.

Ebey Soman, Scienceray, Regulation of Glucose by Insulin Archived July 16, 2011, at the
Wayback Machine, May 4, 2009. Retrieved November 1, 2009.

Jenkins, FJ; Wolever, TM; Taylor, RH; Barker, H; Fielden, H; Baldwin, JM; Bowling, AC;
Newman, HC; Jenkins, AL; Goff, DF (1981). "Glycemic index of foods: a physiological
basis for carbohydrate exchange". Am J Clin Nutr. 34 (3): 362–6.
doi:10.1093/ajcn/34.3.362. PMID 6259925.

Ludwig, Daniel S. (May 2002). "The glycemic index: physiological mechanisms relating to
obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease". Journal of the American Medical
Association. 287 (18): 2414–2423. doi:10.1001/jama.287.18.2414. PMID 11988062

Stoker, S.H. (2016).Biochemistry, 2nd ed. C and E Publishing Incorporated, Quezon City,
Philippines.

Other Online References:

Glycemic Research Institute. Retrieved 8 February 2013.

Glycemic Index Defined. Glycemic Research Institute. Retrieved 2012-08-01.

Glycemic index of foods: a physiological basis for carbohydrate exchange. American Journal
of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 34. March 1, 1981. pp. 362–366. doi:10.1093/ajcn/34.3.362.

https://www.biochemden.com/polysaccharides-classification/July 14, 2020)

Prepared by: Ricky M. Magno, LPT., Ph.D.