Which of the following forms of carbohydrates do muscle cells prefer to use for fuel?

• A. Sucrose
• B. Starch
• C. Glucose
• D. Cellulose

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of carbohydrates in cellular energy production. Carbohydrates are broken down into simpler forms to provide energy for cellular processes, particularly through the production of ATP during cellular respiration.
2. Recognize that muscle cells require a readily available and easily metabolized form of carbohydrate for energy. Glucose is the primary molecule used in glycolysis, the first step of cellular respiration, which occurs in the cytoplasm of cells.
3. Analyze the options provided: Sucrose, Starch, Glucose, and Cellulose. Sucrose is a disaccharide that must be broken down into glucose and fructose before it can be used. Starch is a polysaccharide that must be hydrolyzed into glucose units. Cellulose is a polysaccharide that humans cannot digest due to the lack of enzymes to break its β-glycosidic bonds.
4. Conclude that glucose is the preferred form of carbohydrate for muscle cells because it is directly usable in glycolysis without requiring additional enzymatic breakdown steps.
5. Understand the biological significance: Muscle cells rely on glucose for quick energy production during activities like exercise, as it can be rapidly metabolized to produce ATP.