introduction

Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate that is made up of multiple sugar

molecules linked together. They are found in all living things, and they play a
variety of important roles.

Structure
Polysaccharides are made up of repeating units of sugar molecules. The type of
sugar molecule that makes up a polysaccharide determines its properties. For
example, starch is a polysaccharide made up of glucose molecules, while
cellulose is a polysaccharide made up of glucose molecules that are linked
together in a different way.

Types
Polysaccharides can be classified into two main types: homopolysaccharides
and heteropolysaccharides.

Homopolysaccharides
are made up of repeating units of the same sugar molecule. Examples of
homopolysaccharides include starch, cellulose, and chitin.

Heteropolysaccharides
are made up of repeating units of different sugar molecules. Examples of
heteropolysaccharides include glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and pectin.

Functions
Polysaccharides play a variety of important roles in living things. Some of their
functions include:

Energy storage
Polysaccharides are a major source of energy for living things. They can be
broken down into individual sugar molecules, which can then be used for
energy.

Structural support
Polysaccharides provide structural support for cells and tissues. For example,
cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls, and it provides support and
protection for the cell.

Other biological functions

Polysaccharides also play a role in a variety of other biological functions, such
as cell signaling, immune function, and wound healing.

Applications
Polysaccharides have a wide range of applications in industry and medicine.
Some of their applications include:

Foods

Polysaccharides are used in foods as thickeners, stabilizers, and fillers.

Papermaking

Polysaccharides are used in papermaking as binders and fillers.

Textiles

Polysaccharides are used in textiles as fillers, stabilizers, and performance

enhancers.

Medicine

Polysaccharides are used in medicine as drug carriers, stabilizers, and

absorption enhancers.

Safety

Polysaccharides are generally safe for human consumption. However, some

types of polysaccharides can cause allergies or digestive problems.

Future
Research is ongoing to develop new applications for polysaccharides. For
example, polysaccharides are being investigated as potential treatments for
diseases such as cancer and inflammation.

References

1. Caldwell, J.C., T.J. Woodruff, R. Morello-Frosch, and D.A. Axelrad. 1998. Application of health
information to hazardous air pollutants modeled in EPA's cumulative exposure
project. Toxicol. Ind. Health 14(3): 429-454

2. Cullen, A.C., and H.C. Frey. 1999. Probabilistic Techniques in Exposure Assessment:
A Handbook for Dealing with Variability and Uncertainty in Models and Inputs. New
York: Plenum Press.
3. D'Amato, G. 1999. Outdoor air pollution in urban areas and allergic respiratory
diseases. Monaldi Arch. Chest Dis. 54(6): 470-474.
4. EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 1997. The Health Assessment
Summary Tables - FY- 1997 Update. EPA/540-R-97-036. PB97-921199. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response,
Washington, DC.
5. EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 1998. a. Methodology for Assessing
Health Risks Associated With Multiple Pathways of Exposure to Combustor
Emissions. EPA 600/R-98/137.