Glucan

The following are glucans (The α- and β- and numbers clarify the type of O-glycosidic bond and the specific carbons involved):[2] Properties of glucans include resistance to oral acids/enzyme and water insolubility.

The process takes place without termination and transfer of the polymer chain with a degree of polymerization equal to the mole ratio of the monomer to the initiator.

[9] The presence of 1,6-anhydro structure in every unit of polymer chains allows researchers to apply all spectra of well developed methods of carbohydrate chemistry with formation of highly intriguing biological application polymers.

Within the cell, certain glucans store energy, fortify cellular structure, behave in recognition, and enhance virulence in pathogenic organisms.

[13] Glycogen and starch are notable glucans responsible for storing energy for the cell.