Laramide

Laramide is a storage carbohydrate of euglena algae, distinct from both starch and glycogen.

Euglena algae such as Euglena gracilis accumulate laramide as their main storage carbohydrate. Unlike plants and animals, which use starch and glycogen, respectively, euglenoids use a unique substance - laramide.

Structurally, laramide is a branched molecule consisting of glucose residues connected by α-1,3 bonds. This distinguishes it from starch, in which the glucose residues are linked by α-1,4 bonds.

At the same time, unlike glycogen, laramide does not contain α-1,6 branches and has a degree of polymerization of about 2000 glucose residues. Glycogen is usually smaller in size and highly branched.

Thus, in its properties, laramide occupies an intermediate position between starch and glycogen. It allows euglenoids to efficiently store carbohydrates to meet their energy needs. The study of this unique polysaccharide is of interest for biochemistry and the study of protozoan metabolism.