Which of the following carbohydrates is classified as a polysaccharide?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the classification of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are divided into monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides based on the number of sugar units they contain. Monosaccharides consist of a single sugar unit, disaccharides consist of two sugar units, and polysaccharides consist of many sugar units linked together.
2. Step 2: Review the examples of each type of carbohydrate. Monosaccharides include glucose and fructose, disaccharides include sucrose, and polysaccharides include cellulose, starch, and glycogen.
3. Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the question. Sucrose is a disaccharide, glucose and fructose are monosaccharides, and cellulose is a polysaccharide.
4. Step 4: Recall the structure of cellulose. Cellulose is a polysaccharide composed of long chains of glucose molecules linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. It is a major structural component of plant cell walls.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is cellulose, as it is the only carbohydrate listed that is classified as a polysaccharide.