Branched polysaccharides usually have what type of linkage?

• A. 1-4
• B. 1-6
• C. 2-1
• D. 3-1

Answer: (B)

Branched polysaccharides get their structure from branching points formed by alpha-1,6 glycosidic bonds between glucose units. The linear backbone is usually built with alpha-1,4 linkages, while at certain positions a glucose is attached to the C6 carbon of another glucose, creating a branch. This alpha-1,6 branching pattern is what makes these molecules branched, as seen in glycogen and amylopectin, and it’s distinct from the linear alpha-1,4 linkage alone.