What is the major difference between amylose and amylopectin?

• A. Amylose contains fructose units, while amylopectin contains only glucose units.
• B. Amylose is insoluble in water, while amylopectin is highly soluble.
• C. Amylose is a linear polymer of glucose, while amylopectin is a branched polymer of glucose.
• D. Amylose is found only in animals, while amylopectin is found only in plants.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the problem: Amylose and amylopectin are both polysaccharides made of glucose units and are components of starch, which is a storage carbohydrate in plants.
2. Clarify the structural difference: Amylose is a linear polymer of glucose, meaning its glucose units are connected in a straight chain via α(1→4) glycosidic bonds. Amylopectin, on the other hand, is a branched polymer of glucose, containing both α(1→4) glycosidic bonds for the linear chains and α(1→6) glycosidic bonds at the branch points.
3. Eliminate incorrect options: Amylose and amylopectin are both composed of glucose units, so the statement about fructose is incorrect. Both are found in plants, not animals, so the statement about their location is also incorrect. Additionally, amylose is not completely insoluble in water, and amylopectin is not highly soluble, so this option is also invalid.
4. Focus on the correct answer: The major difference lies in their structure—amylose is linear, while amylopectin is branched. This structural difference also affects their physical and chemical properties, such as their digestibility and interaction with iodine.
5. Conclude with the correct answer: The correct statement is that amylose is a linear polymer of glucose, while amylopectin is a branched polymer of glucose.