Which carbohydrate functions as a structural component in organisms?

Cellulose is indeed the carbohydrate that functions as a structural component in organisms, particularly in plants. It is a polysaccharide made up of long chains of glucose units linked together by beta-1,4-glycosidic bonds. This unique bonding provides significant tensile strength, allowing cellulose to form the rigid cell walls that protect plant cells and provide structural integrity to the entire plant. The arrangement of cellulose fibers in a lattice-like structure is crucial for maintaining the shape and stability of plant tissues, making it essential for their growth and development.

In contrast, glycogen and starch serve primarily as energy storage forms of glucose in animals and plants, respectively. Glycogen is highly branched and facilitates quick energy release, while starch is a major carbohydrate storage form in plants, composed of amylose and amylopectin. Glucose, on the other hand, is a simple sugar and a primary energy source for cells but does not serve a structural role. Thus, cellulose stands out as the carbohydrate specifically involved in providing structural support in living organisms.