Dglucans

D-glucans are a group of polysaccharides composed of D-glucose units linked by glycosidic bonds. These polymers exhibit a wide range of structural variations, including differences in the type of glycosidic linkage (e.g., alpha or beta) and the branching pattern. The most well-known examples include starch, glycogen, cellulose, and beta-glucans. Starch, found in plants, serves as an energy reserve and consists of amylose and amylopectin. Glycogen is the primary storage form of glucose in animals and fungi. Cellulose, a major structural component of plant cell walls, is indigestible by most animals due to its beta-1,4 linkages. Beta-glucans, characterized by beta-glycosidic bonds, are found in the cell walls of fungi, yeasts, algae, and some bacteria, and also in oats and barley. These compounds have garnered interest for their diverse biological activities, including potential roles in immune modulation and cholesterol reduction. The specific properties and functions of a D-glucan are highly dependent on its precise structure.