1. Cellulose: Cellulose is a linear polymer of glucose molecules linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. It is the primary component of plant cell walls, providing strength and rigidity to plant tissues. Cellulose is also found in some animal and bacterial cell walls.
2. Chitin: Chitin is a linear polymer of N-acetylglucosamine molecules linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. It is the main component of the exoskeletons of arthropods, such as insects, spiders, and crustaceans. Chitin also provides structural support for the cell walls of certain fungi and algae.
3. Peptidoglycan: Peptidoglycan is a complex polysaccharide found in the cell walls of bacteria. It consists of a repeating disaccharide unit of N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. Peptidoglycan provides strength and rigidity to bacterial cell walls, helping them to withstand osmotic pressure.
4. Agar: Agar is a complex polysaccharide obtained from certain species of red algae. It is a linear polymer of agarose and agaropectin subunits. Agar is commonly used as a gelling agent in food, microbiology, and biotechnology.
5. Alginate: Alginate is a linear polymer of mannuronic acid and guluronic acid residues. It is found in the cell walls of brown algae and is commonly used as a gelling agent and thickening agent in food and personal care products.
6. Carrageenan: Carrageenan is a complex polysaccharide obtained from certain species of red algae. It consists of alternating units of D-galactose and 3,6-anhydrogalactose linked by α-1,3 and β-1,4 glycosidic bonds. Carrageenan is commonly used as a gelling agent and thickening agent in food and personal care products.
7. Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a linear polysaccharide found in the extracellular matrix of animal tissues. It is composed of repeating units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in providing cushioning and lubrication for joints and other tissues.