noun
- A carbohydrate composed of many monosaccharide units linked together by glycosidic bonds; includes starch, cellulose, and glycogen.
Usage: Usually used in plural form or as a mass noun; Common in biochemistry and nutrition contexts
Examples
- Starch and cellulose are both polysaccharides found in plants.
- The body breaks down polysaccharides into glucose for energy.
- Whole grains contain polysaccharides that provide sustained energy.
- Glycogen is a polysaccharide that stores glucose in animal cells.
- Dietary fiber is made up of polysaccharides that the body cannot easily digest.
- Scientists study polysaccharides to understand how cells store and use energy.