Raffles Institution

Tutorial (Teachers)

2014- 2015

H2 BIOLOGY
A. CORE SYLLABUS
(1) Cellular Functions / Biological Molecules / Carbohydrates
NAME:

CT GROUP:

DO THESE QUESTIONS IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER: Structured 2 (a), (c); 1

STRUCTURED QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1 J96/P3/Q2
Fig. 2.1 shows part of the molecular structure of cellulose and starch (amylose). Both cellulose and starch are
synthesized in plants from glucose.

(a) Describe the differences in molecular structure between cellulose and starch. [2]
Any 2 points of comparison:
Points of
Mark
Cellulose
Starch
comparison
Monomer
Cellulose is made up of -glucose* Starch is made up of -glucose 1
monomers (complete sentence and monomers
sentence makes sense if read in
isolation)
Bond
(1-4)
glycosidic
bond*
links
(1-4) glycosidic bond* links 1
between
monomers of cellulose
monomers in amylose,
(1-4)
monomers
glycosidic bond* and
(1-4)
glycosidic bond* links monomers in
amylopectin
Orientation of Alternate glucose* units are rotated All glucose* units in the chain have 1
monomer
180o * with respect to each other
the same orientation*
Structure of Cellulose is a long, straight* chain
Amylose
in
starch
is
a 1
each
spiral/helical/coiled*
strand
or
molecule
amylopectin in starch is a coiled
branched * molecule
Bonds
OH groups* projecting outwards in No interchain hydrogen bonding* 1
between
both directions allow intermolecular/ in starch
molecules
interchain hydrogen bonding*
leading to microfibril formation for
cellulose
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Branching

Tutorial (Teachers)

No branching* present in cellulose

2014- 2015

Branching* with (1-6) glycosidic

bonds* in amylopectin

Cellulose has a structural function in plants while starch has a storage function.
(b) Relate these functional differences to the differences in molecular structure of cellulose and starch. [4]
Cellulose
Molecular structure
Structural function
Enzymes* that hydrolyse* these bonds
glucose* monomers are linked by (1-4)
are rarely* found in nature and therefore
glycosidic bonds*
1
likely to remain intact and are thus suitable
as structural molecules
Alternate glucose residues* inverted 180* with
Straight chains* allow packing of
respect to one another allowing straight chains*
cellulose molecules into bundles of
to be formed with OH groups* projecting out in
1
microfibrils* with high tensile strength*
either direction. Hydrogen bonding* between
that make up to cell wall
adjacent chains form microfibrils.
Starch (any 2)
Molecular structure

Storage function
Enzymes* (amylase) that hydrolyse*
these bonds are commonly available.
Glucose units readily released for
respiration to yield energy*.

glucose* monomers are linked by (1-4)

glycosidic* bonds which give rise to helical*
molecules of amylose (and amylopectin) as each
residue is bent in one direction with respect to an
adjacent residue

Helical arrangement allows more glucose

residues per unit volume
compact*
storage

Branching* with
amylopectin

Branching* presents more ends for

hydrolytic action by amylases thus making
1
making it more efficient to release glucose

glucose* monomers are linked by

glycosidic* bonds

(1-4)

(1-6) glycosidic bonds* in

Comments:
- There are gaps between the chains of cellulose(structure) making it permeable(function)
The permeability is due to arrangement of microfibrils in a meshwork not a molecular property of cellulose (which
shouldnt have gaps in between chains).
- Meshwork confers high tensile strength
Tension acts in one dimension while a meshwork is able to handle multidirectional forces.
- Cellulose therefore confers strength
Need to mention high tensile strength
- Dont talk about insolubility. Both are insoluble. We are interested in differences.
- You need to describe how starch is an excellent ENERGY storage, not just any resource storage.

(c) Name the bond formed between adjacent glucose molecules in starch and cellulose. [1]
Glycosidic bond*
(d) Suggest why amylase, the enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of starch, will not catalyse the
hydrolysis of cellulose. [2]
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Raffles Institution

Tutorial (Teachers)

2014- 2015

Amylase has a specific active site* with a complementary charge and conformation* to
substrate which it binds with and catalyses the hydrolysis of (1 4) glycosidic bond*;
Cellulose has (1 4) glycosidic bonds* whose 3D conformation is not complementary to active
site of amylase;
Comments:
- Starch contains (1 4) glycosidic bonds while cellulose contains (1 4)glycosidic
bonds NOT GOOD ENOUGH as it doesnt explain why it hydrolyses one bond but not the other.
- Configuration
Use conformation in enzymes and proteins. Conformation configuration (cis/trans, L/D stereoisomers)

[Total: 9]
QUESTION 2 N99/P3/Q1
Fig. 1.1 shows the molecular structure of

glucose.

(a) (i) In the space below, show how

starch. [2]

glucose molecules are joined to form the long chains found in

Condensation
rxn

+ nH2O

+
-glucose

-glucose

(1-4) glycosidic bond

Correct monomers ;
Glycosidic bond correctly drawn and labelled;
Chain drawn (not disaccharide)
Water molecule drawn;
Annotated diagram;
Must show where H2O is from
Shows polysaccharide with either brackets or dots
[R: Maltose]
Comments:
- Caution: do not draw maltose! Show that it is indeed a chain.
Examiners Comments
Majority of candidates showed how a glycosidic bond form long chains found in starch. Few
indicated that water is lost in this condensation process.
(ii) Name the bond formed in (a) (i). [1]
(1 4) glycosidic bond*
Comment:
- glycosidic bond ..Not precise enough
Cellulose is also formed from long chains of glucose molecules.
(b) Explain how cellulose differs from starch. (done in worked example)
(i) in structure; [3]
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Points of
comparison
Monomer

Tutorial (Teachers)

2014- 2015

Cellulose

Mark

Starch

Cellulose is made up of -glucose* Starch is made up of -glucose*

monomers (complete sentence and monomers
sentence makes sense if read in
isolation)
Bond
(1-4)
glycosidic
bond*
links
(1-4) glycosidic bond* links
between
monomers of cellulose
monomers in amylose,
monomers
(1-4) glycosidic bond* and (1-6)
glycosidic bond* links monomers in
amylopectin
Orientation of Alternate glucose* units are rotated* All glucose* units in the chain have
monomer
180o with respect to each other
same orientation
Structure of Cellulose is a long, straight* chain
Amylose is a spiral/helical/coiled*
each
strand or amylopectin is a coiled
molecule
branched* molecule
Bonds
OH groups* projecting outwards in No interchain hydrogen bonding*
between
both directions allow intermolecular/ in starch
molecules
interchain hydrogen bonding *
leading to microfibril formation for
cellulose
Branching
No branching* present in cellulose
Branching* occurs in amylopectin

1
1
1

(ii) in function. [2]

Function
Reason

Cellulose
Cellulose
provides
support/high
tensile strength* to cell wall* of
plants
Many long straight chains* interact/
crosslink via hydrogen bonding*
forming bundles of microfibrils *

Starch
Starch is an compact
storage* molecule

Mark
energy 1

Long helical strands of -glucose 1

makes it compact* allowing packing
of many glucose units per unit
volume so that more glucose can be
oxidised to produce energy

(c) Describe how you would test an unknown sample of food for the presence of non-reducing sugar. [3]
Carry out Benedicts test first*:
Place sample solution in a test tube and add equal volume of Benedict's reagent. Shake mixture and
heat it in a boiling water* bath for 3-4 minutes; (The solution remains clear blue indicating that
reducing sugars are not present)
Comments:
- WHY IS THIS STEP IMPT? Cant you carry out acid hydrolysis right away?
- Careful: do not add HCl to the same sample! Why not?

Carry out acid hydrolysis:

boil* equal volume of test solution with dilute hydrochloric acid* for 1min. Cool contents of tube
and neutralise* acidic content with sodium bicarbonate* solution (because Benedict's regent only
works in alkaline conditions)
Repeat the Benedicts test on the sample:
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Tutorial (Teachers)

2014- 2015

if non-reducing sugar is present*, then initial Benedicts test should give a negative result [solution
remains blue]. After hydrolysis, Benedicts test should produce a brick red ppt*;
[Total : 11]

QUESTION 3 J01P3Q1
Complete the table below to describe the main differences between the polysaccharides listed. [6]
Struc
Function
Starch
Point of comparison:
Relate:
(amylose)
Compact* helical arrangement can pack
glucose* residues linked together by
more glucose monomers per unit volume
(1 4) glycosidic bonds* (discuss
so starch is an compact energy storage*
polymer characteristics) forming helical
molecule;
coils;
Starch is a large molecule that is
insoluble* in water and so doesnt affect
water potential*
suitable storage molecule;
Cellulose Point of comparison:
Relate:
glucose* residues linked together by
Straight chains allow hydrogen bonding*
(1 4) glycosidic bonds* with alternate
to occur between OH groups* of adjacent
residues being inverted(rotated 180)
parallel chains forming microfibrils* with
with respect to its neighbours forming
high
tensile
strength* conferring
straight chains*;
strength to cell wall*;
Secondary points:
Few enzymes* recognize and hydrolyse
(1 4) glycosidic* bonds;
Insoluble* in water and hence the
integrity of the cell wall* is maintained in
aqueous environment
suitable structural molecule
Glycogen Point of comparison:
Relate:
Compact* helical arrangement can pack
glucose* residues linked together by
more glucose monomers per unit volume
(1 4) glycosidic bonds* and forming
so starch is an compact energy storage*
extensively branched helical coils*;
molecule;
Branch
points
with
increased
accessibility to enzymes* many of
which work from the tips of the branches;
Glycogen is a large molecule* that is
insoluble in water and doesnt affect
water potential*
suitable storage molecule;

Raffles Institution

Tutorial (Teachers)

2014- 2015

QUESTION 4 N05P2Q1
Cellulose is a polymer in which alternate monomers are rotated by 180o relative to one another. This allows up
to 40 parallel chains of this polymer to form microfibrils. These microfibrils are responsible for the physical
properties of cellulose.
(a) State precisely the names of the monomers making up the cellulose. [1]
glucose* monomers
Comments
- (1 4) glucose
-B glucose

(b) State two physical properties of cellulose. [2]

Physical properties = appearance, smell, taste, texture etc.
Rather than its chemical structure / molecular make-up

High tensile strength* (strong); insoluble* in water; long straight* chains;

Comments
-Cellulose has a strong cell wall

(c) Explain how the molecular structure of cellulose contributes to its physical properties. [2]
To explain high tensile strength
As adjacent glucose* monomers are rotated 180o* with respect to each other, cellulose is a
straight* molecule and his able to lie parallel* to other cellulose molecules;
Hydroxyl groups* project outwards from each molecule allows extensive hydrogen bonds* to form
between neighbouring parallel chains, forming microfibrils*
The association of numerous
cellulose molecules gives rise to high tensile strength*.
To explain insoluble in water
Cellulose is a large molecule*;
Relatively fewer OH groups* are available for hydrogen bonding with water* as many of OH
groups are involved in forming hydrogen bonds with OH groups projecting from parallel* cellulose
molecules.
To explain long straight chains
As adjacent glucose* monomers are rotated 180o* with respect to each other, cellulose is a
straight* molecule
It is a polysaccharide linked end to end by glycosidic linkages;
Comments
-Many cellulose molecules come together to form a microfibril, which is a macromolecule
A single cellulose chain is a macromolecule
-H-bonding
Spell out in full

(d) Describe how the bonds between the monomers are formed. [3]
(1 4) glycosidic* bond forms between C1 of one glucose* monomer and C4 of another
glucose* monomer;
Pls give the complete name of the bond!! There can be many different glycosidic linkages!
Alternate residues are inverted 1800 * with respect to its neighbours;
Condensation* reaction joining two glucose residues with removal of one water* molecule;
Reaction is catalysed by enzymes*;
No need to mention about the orientation of the OH groups in this case.
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Tutorial (Teachers)

2014- 2015

Cellulose microfibrils are synthesized by large protein complexes containing many cellulose synthase enzymes
that are embedded in the cell surface membrane of plant cells. Fig. 1.1 shows a diagram of cellulose microfibril
formation.

(e) Suggest why cellulose is synthesised in the cell surface membrane and not inside the cell. [2]
Cellulose is meant for making the cell wall on exterior of cell membrane. Makes sense to synthesis it on
site rather than inside cell;
Cellulose too large a molecule to move across cell membrane;
Cellulose synthase is located on cell surface, therefore cellulose has to be synthesized there;
Comments:
- need to be outside otherwise no cell wall is formed
Read pt 3 for a more complete answer.
-Cellulose is straight-chained and unbranched. Therefore it takes up a lot of space
So? Why outside cell and not inside cell?
[Total: 10]

Non-TYS Question
(a) Starch and cellulose are both made up of glucose monomers, yet most of their properties differ; while
both of them are insoluble, their structures differ by quite a lot, and starch is digestible while cellulose
cannot be digested by most animals.
(i) Explain why both of them are insoluble. [2]
Both starch and cellulose are very large* molecules and hence cannot go into solution;
In starch, hydrogen bonds form between OH groups* that project into core of helices.
In cellulose, hydrogen bonds form between OH groups* of cellulose molecules that are
parallel* to each other allowing the formation of microfibrils*.
They have relatively fewer OH groups* available for hydrogen bonding with water*.
(ii) Explain the key reason for differences in their structure. [2]
starch uses -glucose* monomers
cellulose uses -glucose* monomers
Comments:
A rather simplistic answer; question could have been phrased a bit clearer to lead students to the model
answer. Regardless, it was meant to get students to appreciate that underlying all structural differences
7

Raffles Institution

Tutorial (Teachers)

2014- 2015

between starch and cellulose is simply a small difference in spatial arrangement of the atoms, for just 2
marks, such lengthy explanations are out

(iii) Suggest why starch is digestible while cellulose is not. [1]

enzymes* that can hydrolyse starch are found in most animals whereas those for cellulose are
rare* in nature
Comments:
There could be other valid answers. Students have studied digestive system in secondary school, so digestion
mainly via enzymes is not unheard of. Students are reminded to answer in context of the question. Hydrogen
bonds do not affect digestibility! And size of molecule may affect rate of digestion, but seldom digestibility.

(b) Chitin is a polysaccharide found in exoskeletons of insects and cell walls of fungi. Like cellulose and
starch, it is made up of only one type of monomer. However, the monomer used in chitin is not glucose,
but a derivative of glucose called N-acetylglucosamine. A repeating unit of chitin is shown below.

(i)

Based on the molecular structures of chitin monomers shown above, state the type of bond formed
between chitin monomers. [1]
(1-4) glycosidic bond*
Comments:
Students are supposed to know the molecular structure of glucose, and based on that, appreciate the
positions of the ring O etc and use it to determine if the molecule is inverted. C1 and C4 positions have been
given; the bond is a glycosidic one (also because the question stated that chitin is a polysaccharide), so all
students have to decipher is whether it is
or . Based on their exposure to the glycosidic bonds, a monomer would require an inversion of the neighbouring molecule.

(ii) From your understanding of the various bonds present in polysaccharides, predict the structure of
a molecule of chitin. [2]
alternate monomers inverted*;
straight* chain;
OH groups* sticking out from molecule in either direction;
Note: The chitin molecular structure is similar to celluloses, explaining the predicted structure.
[Total : 8]