Which statement best describes amylopectin?

• A. A linear molecule composed solely of alpha 1-4 linkages
• B. A branched molecule with alpha 1-4 and alpha 1-6 linkages
• C. A molecule with beta linkages
• D. A disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose

Answer: (B)

Amylopectin is a branched polymer of glucose in starch. Its chains are linked mainly by alpha-1,4 glycosidic bonds, with branching points created by alpha-1,6 glycosidic bonds. This combination makes the molecule branched rather than purely linear, unlike amylose. It’s not composed of beta linkages (that would be cellulose), and it’s not a disaccharide (that would be a molecule like sucrose, which is glucose linked to fructose). The branching helps plants efficiently store glucose and allows digestive enzymes to access multiple ends for rapid breakdown.