Why do macromolecules like proteins and polysaccharides have less effect on the osmolarity of a solution than an equal mass of their monomeric components?
Explanation
Osmolarity, a colligative property, depends on the number of solute particles per unit volume. Storing fuel as a large polymer like glycogen instead of many small monomers like glucose drastically reduces the number of solute particles, preventing dangerously high osmotic pressure within the cell.
Other questions
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