Explain the difference between alpha and beat 1,4 linkages in biochemistry?

Question

Explain the difference between alpha and beat 1,4 linkages in biochemistry?

Answer 1

Cheer is for the most part correct. In addition beta 1, 4 bonds cannot be cleaved by the very great majority of mammalian enzymes which are specific for alpha 1, 4 bonds. This means that the beta 1, 4 links in cellulose are resistant to degradation by mammalian polysaccharidases. Meaning it cannt be utilized to any great extent by ammmals ( bacteria in the large intestine can ferment some cellulaose beacuse they have beta 1, 4 specific enzymes ). Ruminants , e.g., cattle,  can utilize cellulose because their rumens ( whuch are pre-stomach and small intestine ) contain billions of bacteria many of which have beta 1, 4 hydrolases.

Answer 2

In general, one distinguishes between α-and β-glycosidic bonds, depending on whether the substituent groups on the carbons flanking the ring oxygen are pointing in the same or opposite directions in the standard way of drawing sugars. An α-glycosidic bond for a D-sugar emanates below the plane of the sugar, whereas the hydroxyl (or other substituent group) on the other carbon points above the plane (opposite configuration), while a β-glycosidic bond emanates above that plane.