Q: During photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight into chemical energy stored in carbohydrates. Which equation best represents this process?

$$CO_2 + H_2O$$ + \text{sunlight} \rightarrow (CH_2O)_n + $$O_2$$

Question 1

Which of the following best explains why cellulose is a good structural material in plant cell walls?

Accepted Answer

It contains B-1,4-glycosidic linkages that create linear strands with hydrogen bonds between them.

Question 2

A scientist discovers a new polysaccharide in an animal tissue. It is highly branched and can be rapidly broken down to release glucose. Which polysaccharide is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 3

Which of the following statements about glycosidic linkages is correct?

Accepted Answer

Glycosidic linkages can form between any two hydroxyl groups of monosaccharides.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the molecular formula of most monosaccharides?

Accepted Answer

$$C_nH_{2n}O_n$$

Question 5

Which structural feature distinguishes an aldose from a ketose sugar?

Accepted Answer

The position of the carbonyl group

Question 6

Why are most organisms unable to digest cellulose for energy?

Accepted Answer

Most organisms lack enzymes to hydrolyze B-1,4-glycosidic linkages.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct real-world application of glycoproteins and glycolipids in cell biology?

Accepted Answer

They are key molecules in cell–cell recognition and signaling.

Question 8

During photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight into chemical energy stored in carbohydrates. Which equation best represents this process?

Accepted Answer

$$CO_2 + H_2O$$ + 	ext{sunlight} ightarrow (CH_2O)_n + $$O_2$$

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why carbohydrates are a better source of chemical energy than carbon dioxide?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrates have more C–H and C–C bonds, which have higher potential energy.

Question 10

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder that prevents the production of phosphorylase. Which of the following symptoms would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Inability to break down glycogen to release glucose during fasting.

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct description of chitin?

Accepted Answer

A structural polysaccharide in fungi and animals composed of N-acetylglucosamine.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between amylose and amylopectin?

Accepted Answer

Amylose is unbranched with only a-1,4-glycosidic linkages, while amylopectin is branched with some a-1,6-glycosidic linkages.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 14

Which of the following statements about peptidoglycan is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is a structural polysaccharide in bacterial cell walls with peptide bonds between strands.

Question 15

A researcher is studying a new sugar that forms a ring structure in water and has five carbon atoms. Which term best describes this sugar?

Accepted Answer

Pentose

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why dietary fiber is important for digestive health?

Accepted Answer

It consists of polysaccharides with B-1,4-glycosidic linkages that are not easily digested, promoting gut motility.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events when a cell uses glucose to make ATP?

Accepted Answer

$$(CH_2O)_n + O_2$ + ADP + P_i \rightarrow CO_2$ + H_2O + ATP$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the hydrolysis of starch and glycogen?

Accepted Answer

Both are easily hydrolyzed because they contain a-glycosidic linkages.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of ribose in cells?

Accepted Answer

It is required for nucleotide formation, serving as a building block for RNA.

Chapter 5: An Introduction to Carbohydrates – Structure and Function

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