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

Humans have enzymes that hydrolyze the $$oldsymbol{ ext{α}}-$$glycosidic linkages in starch, but lack enzymes for the $$oldsymbol{ ext{β}}-$$glycosidic linkages in cellulose.

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

Cellulose forms long, unbranched chains with $$eta-$$glycosidic linkages, allowing hydrogen bonding between chains.

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a monomer and a polymer in biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

A monomer is a single subunit that can join with others to form a polymer, which is a chain of repeating subunits.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT considered a macromolecule or polymer?

Accepted Answer

Lipid

Question 3

What type of bond forms between two monosaccharides during the synthesis of a disaccharide?

Accepted Answer

Glycosidic linkage

Question 4

Which process is responsible for joining two monosaccharides to form a disaccharide, and what is a byproduct of this reaction?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis; water is released

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Humans have enzymes that hydrolyze the $$oldsymbol{	ext{α}}-$$glycosidic linkages in starch, but lack enzymes for the $$oldsymbol{	ext{β}}-$$glycosidic linkages in cellulose.

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a biological macromolecule and its monomer?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrate – Monosaccharide

Question 7

A patient is diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Which dietary component is most likely to contribute to this condition, based on the study materials?

Accepted Answer

High intake of fructose, especially from processed foods

Question 8

Which of the following statements about fructose is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Fructose is processed mainly by the liver and can contribute to increased fat production.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the structure of glucose in aqueous solution?

Accepted Answer

Glucose exists primarily in a ring form, with a small percentage in linear form.

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of polysaccharides in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

They provide energy storage and structural support.

Question 11

Amylose and amylopectin are both forms of starch. Which statement best distinguishes them?

Accepted Answer

Amylose is unbranched, while amylopectin is somewhat branched.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Cellulose forms long, unbranched chains with $$eta-$$glycosidic linkages, allowing hydrogen bonding between chains.

Question 13

A scientist wants to break down maltose into its monomer units. Which process and enzyme would be required?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis; maltase

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about the glycosidic linkage in sucrose?

Accepted Answer

It is a covalent bond between glucose and fructose formed by dehydration synthesis.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of glycogen in animals?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen is a storage polysaccharide found mainly in the liver and muscles.

Question 16

Which of the following equations correctly represents the dehydration synthesis of maltose from two glucose molecules?

Accepted Answer

$$C_6H_{12}O_6$ + C_6H_{12}O_6$ \rightarrow C$$_{12}$$H_{22}O$$_{11} + H_2O$

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of excessive fructose consumption, as described in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of fatty liver disease

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why high-fructose corn syrup is considered problematic in processed foods?

Accepted Answer

It is rapidly processed by the liver, promoting fat accumulation and bad cholesterol.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between starch and cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Starch has $$oldsymbol{	ext{α}}-$$glycosidic linkages, while cellulose has $$oldsymbol{	ext{β}}-$$glycosidic linkages.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the function of lipids in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Lipids are important components of cell membranes and energy storage.

Structures and Functions of Biological Molecules: Carbohydrates

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