Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between starch and cellulose in terms of their glycosidic linkages?

Accepted Answer

Starch contains $\alpha$-1,4 glycosidic linkages, while cellulose contains $\beta$-1,4 glycosidic linkages.

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder that prevents the hydrolysis of $\beta$-1,4 glycosidic bonds. Which dietary component would be most difficult for them to digest?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose

Question 3

Which of the following statements about monosaccharides is correct?

Accepted Answer

They generally have molecular formulas that are multiples of $CH_2O$.

Question 4

Which polysaccharide is the main storage form of glucose in animals, and how is it structurally different from starch?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen; it is more extensively branched than starch.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why humans can digest starch but not cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Humans have enzymes that hydrolyze $\alpha$-glycosidic linkages in starch but lack enzymes to hydrolyze $\beta$-glycosidic linkages in cellulose.

Question 6

A scientist isolates a carbohydrate from a fungal cell wall and finds that it is similar to cellulose but contains nitrogen. What is this carbohydrate most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Chitin

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct description of a glycosidic linkage?

Accepted Answer

A covalent bond formed between two monosaccharides by a dehydration reaction.

Question 8

If a plant's ability to synthesize amylopectin is impaired, which of the following would most likely be affected?

Accepted Answer

The plant's ability to store energy in a branched form of starch.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the structural role of cellulose in plants?

Accepted Answer

It forms strong microfibrils that provide structural support to the cell wall.

Question 10

A biochemist is analyzing a sample and finds a carbohydrate polymer with $\beta$-1,4 linkages and nitrogen-containing side groups. Which organism is this sample most likely from?

Accepted Answer

An arthropod, such as a spider or crab

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Catalyzing chemical reactions

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why cellulose is considered 'insoluble fiber' in the human diet?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

Which of the following correctly matches a polysaccharide with its function?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen – energy storage in animals

Question 14

A molecule of sucrose is formed by joining glucose and fructose. What type of reaction forms this bond, and what is the bond called?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration reaction; glycosidic linkage

Question 15

Which of the following statements about chitin is true?

Accepted Answer

It is a structural polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and contains nitrogen.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference in the three-dimensional structure of starch and cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Starch forms a helical structure, while cellulose forms straight, unbranched fibers.

Question 17

A person eats a meal rich in plant material. Which carbohydrate will pass through their digestive tract largely undigested, and why?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose, because humans lack the enzyme to break $\beta$-1,4 linkages.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the structure of amylopectin?

Accepted Answer

It is a branched polymer of glucose with $\alpha$-1,4 and $\alpha$-1,6 linkages.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why glycogen is a more efficient energy storage molecule than amylose?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen is more highly branched, allowing for rapid release of glucose when needed.

Carbohydrates: Structure, Function, and Biological Importance

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