Polymers having (1----4)- and (1----6)-linked alpha-D-glucopyranosyl groups as acceptors in the glycogen synthase reaction.

Insoluble, light-sensitive polymers linked to maltose, maltotriose, a glycogen-branch point trisaccharide, and panose were synthesized and served in a comparative study as acceptors in the glycogen synthase (UDP-D-glucose:glycogen 4-alpha-D-glucosyltransferase, EC 2.4.1.11) reaction. The highest transfer rate was observed with the maltotrio polymer. Extending the acceptor linearly with (1----4)-linked alpha-D-glucopyranosyl residues improved the transfer, whereas (1----6)-linked alpha-D-glucopyranosyl branches decreased it.