Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a physiological role of carbohydrates in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Catalysis of metabolic reactions

Question 2

A monosaccharide with 4 chiral centers will have how many possible stereoisomers?

Accepted Answer

$$2^4 = 16$

Question 3

Which statement best describes an epimer?

Accepted Answer

A sugar that differs in configuration at a single chiral carbon

Question 4

During the cyclization of glucose, which carbon becomes the anomeric carbon?

Accepted Answer

C1

Question 5

Which of the following correctly describes the difference between α and β anomers of D-glucopyranose?

Accepted Answer

α has the anomeric hydroxyl below the plane; β has it above

Question 6

Mutarotation of glucose in solution results in:

Accepted Answer

Interconversion between α and β forms via a linear intermediate

Question 7

Which of the following is true about the sweetness of fructose ring forms?

Accepted Answer

β-fructopyranose is extremely sweet and found in honey

Question 8

Which modification is found in chitin but not in cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Replacement of C2 hydroxyl with an acetylated amino group

Question 9

What is the empirical formula for most carbohydrates?

Accepted Answer

$$(CH_2O)_n$$

Question 10

Which enzyme is responsible for converting glucosinolate to glucose and isothiocyanate in plant defense?

Accepted Answer

Myrosinase

Question 11

Which of the following statements about reducing sugars is correct?

Accepted Answer

Linear forms of monosaccharides can be oxidized by mild oxidizing agents

Question 12

In the nomenclature of disaccharides, which suffix is used for the non-reducing sugar?

Accepted Answer

"osyl"

Question 13

Which statement best describes amylopectin?

Accepted Answer

A branched polymer of glucose with α(1→4) and α(1→6) bonds

Question 14

Which polysaccharide is the primary component of plant cell walls and cannot be digested by amylase?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose

Question 15

What is the main structural difference between glycogen and amylopectin?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen has a higher frequency of α(1→6) branch points

Question 16

Which of the following is a homopolysaccharide?

Accepted Answer

Amylose

Question 17

Which glycoprotein is used clinically to stimulate red blood cell production?

Accepted Answer

Erythropoietin (EPO)

Question 18

Which of the following is true about the attachment of sugars to proteins in glycoproteins?

Accepted Answer

Sugars can be attached to the amide nitrogen of asparagine (N-linked)

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of proteoglycans in tissues?

Accepted Answer

They provide structural and lubricating functions

Comprehensive Study Notes: Carbohydrates in Biochemistry

Study Guide - Practice Questions