Starch and glycogen are both carbohydrates made from many glucose molecules joined together. Describe the roles of starch and glycogen in living organisms, and name ONE other carbohydrate made from glucose, stating its role.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 4.1 Biological molecules · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Starch is a storage carbohydrate in plants, storing glucose for later use.
Glycogen is the storage carbohydrate in animals, providing glucose when needed.
Cellulose is another carbohydrate made from glucose.
Cellulose provides structural support as the main component of plant cell walls.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact phrases ‘storage carbohydrate’ for starch and glycogen. Mention ‘plant’ for starch and ‘animal’ for glycogen. Name ‘cellulose’ and state its structural role.
  • Include the word ‘glucose’ when describing the other carbohydrate.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Starch serves as an energy store in plants
  2. Glycogen serves as an energy store in animals
  3. Cellulose named as the other carbohydrate made from glucose
  4. Cellulose is used for structure / is the main component of the plant cell wall

Key terms in this question

starch · glycogen · carbohydrate · glucose

Related

More Biological molecules questions

▶ Try answering this question with AI marking (free) →