What are the functions of polysaccharides?

The functions of polysaccharides are :
(1) Starch and glycogen are the major storage food of organic world.
(2) On hydrolysis storage carbohydrates provide both energy and carbon chains.
(3) Chitin is the structural carbohydrate of fungal walls and exoskeleton of arthropods.
(4) Cellulose is the structural substance of cell walls in most of the plants.
(5) Cellulose is economically important in the production of furniture, shelter, fuel, paper, textiles, ropes, rayon, cellophane, plastics etc.
(6) Mucilage present as a protective coating around aquatic plants, bacteria, blue-green algae etc., is derived from polysaccharides.
(7) Mucopolysaccharides present inside human body are keratin sulphate, chondroitin sulphate and hyaluronic acid. They have several functions - lubrication of ligaments and tendons, providing strength and flexibility to skin etc.
(8) Heparin prevents blood clotting inside blood vessels of animals.
(9) Some mucopolysaccharides have medicinal and other commercial importance e.g., husk of Plantago ovata, mucilage of Aloe, and alginic acid.
(10) Pectins are commercial jellying agents.