Which of the following complex carbohydrates is listed with its correct function?

• A. Glycogen – primary structural polysaccharide in fungi
• B. Chitin – energy storage in plants
• C. Starch – main energy storage molecule in animals
• D. Cellulose – structural component in plant cell walls

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the problem: The question asks us to identify the correct pairing of a complex carbohydrate with its function. Each option lists a carbohydrate and its supposed role, and we need to evaluate which one is accurate.
2. Review the properties and functions of the listed carbohydrates: Glycogen, Chitin, Starch, and Cellulose. Recall that glycogen is an energy storage molecule in animals, chitin is a structural polysaccharide in fungi and arthropods, starch is an energy storage molecule in plants, and cellulose is a structural component in plant cell walls.
3. Analyze the first option: Glycogen is described as the primary structural polysaccharide in fungi. This is incorrect because glycogen is actually an energy storage molecule in animals, not a structural polysaccharide in fungi.
4. Analyze the second option: Chitin is described as being used for energy storage in plants. This is incorrect because chitin is a structural polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi, not an energy storage molecule in plants.
5. Analyze the fourth option: Cellulose is described as a structural component in plant cell walls. This is correct because cellulose is a polysaccharide that provides structural support to plant cell walls, making it the correct answer.