Question 1

Which of the following molecules is classified as a carbohydrate based on its chemical formula?

Accepted Answer

C\_6H\_12O\_6

Question 2

Which type of glycosidic linkage is found in the main chain of amylose, a component of starch?

Accepted Answer

$\alpha$-1,4 glycosidic linkage

Question 3

Cellulose and starch are both polymers of glucose. Why can't humans digest cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Humans lack enzymes to break $\beta$-1,4 glycosidic linkages found in cellulose.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a function performed by carbohydrates in cells?

Accepted Answer

Catalyzing chemical reactions

Question 5

A patient is diagnosed with galactosemia, a disorder affecting carbohydrate metabolism. Which process is most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Breakdown of galactose into glucose

Question 6

Which polysaccharide is found in the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans and provides structural support?

Accepted Answer

Chitin

Question 7

Which carbohydrate is primarily used for energy storage in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why starch and cellulose are not nutritionally equivalent for humans?

Accepted Answer

Humans can digest $\alpha$-1,4 linkages in starch but not $\beta$-1,4 linkages in cellulose.

Question 9

Which of the following is a disaccharide formed by a dehydration reaction between glucose and fructose?

Accepted Answer

Sucrose

Question 10

Which structural feature distinguishes chitin from cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Chitin contains nitrogen due to its modified glucose monomers.

Question 11

Which carbohydrate is a major component of bacterial cell walls and contains amino acids?

Accepted Answer

Peptidoglycan

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the general chemical formula for most monosaccharides?

Accepted Answer

$C_nH_{2n}O_n$

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct comparison between the linkages in starch and cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Starch has $\alpha$-glycosidic linkages, while cellulose has $\beta$-glycosidic linkages.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of a carbohydrate's role in cell-cell recognition?

Accepted Answer

Blood type antigens on red blood cells

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about oligosaccharides?

Accepted Answer

They consist of a few (typically 3-10) monosaccharide units.

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of a deficiency in the enzyme lactase?

Accepted Answer

Lactose intolerance, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming dairy

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why glycogen is more highly branched than starch?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen's branching allows for rapid release of glucose during high energy demand.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the function of carbohydrates in photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Glucose produced during photosynthesis is used to make ATP.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct application of the concept 'structure = function' in carbohydrates?

Accepted Answer

The $\beta$-glycosidic linkages in cellulose make it rigid and suitable for plant cell walls.

Carbohydrates: Structure, Classification, and Functions

Study Guide - Practice Questions