Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Amylose is a straight chain of glucose molecules, while amylopectin is a branched polymer.

Question 2

Why is glycogen a more efficient storage form of glucose for animals compared to amylose?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen's highly branched structure allows for rapid release of glucose when energy is needed.

Question 3

Which of the following equations correctly represents the general formula for a polysaccharide composed of $n$ glucose units?

Accepted Answer

$(C_6H_{10}O_5)_n$

Question 4

A patient is unable to digest stachyose, a common oligosaccharide found in beans. Which enzyme is missing, and what is the likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-galactosidase; increased gas production due to fermentation in the colon

Question 5

Which of the following statements about dietary fiber is correct?

Accepted Answer

Fiber is composed of glucose units linked by beta-1,4 glycosidic bonds, making it indigestible by human enzymes.

Question 6

Which part of a wheat kernel contains the majority of its fiber content?

Accepted Answer

Bran

Question 7

What is the main reason why glycogen is not found in significant amounts in meat products?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen is converted to lactic acid soon after slaughter.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why humans cannot digest cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Humans lack enzymes to break beta-1,4 glycosidic bonds.

Question 9

A food scientist is analyzing a carbohydrate that is water-insoluble, forms the structural component of plant cell walls, and is composed of long chains of glucose. Which carbohydrate is being described?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct description of resistant starch?

Accepted Answer

A type of starch that passes through the small intestine largely undigested and acts like fiber.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the fate of liver glycogen during a 24-hour fast?

Accepted Answer

It is converted to glucose and released into the bloodstream for use by other tissues.

Question 12

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of oligosaccharides such as stachyose?

Accepted Answer

They are composed of 3-10 monosaccharide units and are often fermented in the large intestine.

Question 13

Which of the following equations represents the hydrolysis of a disaccharide into two monosaccharides?

Accepted Answer

$C_{12}H_{22}O_{11} + H_2O \rightarrow 2C_6H_{12}O_6$

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why fiber is beneficial for gut health?

Accepted Answer

Fiber passes through the small intestine undigested and is fermented by beneficial bacteria in the colon.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct comparison between starch and fiber?

Accepted Answer

Both are composed of glucose, but starch has alpha-1,4 glycosidic bonds while fiber has beta-1,4 glycosidic bonds.

Question 16

A person consumes a meal rich in amylopectin. Which of the following best describes the digestion and absorption process?

Accepted Answer

Amylopectin is broken down by human digestive enzymes into glucose, which is then absorbed.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why some people experience gas after eating beans?

Accepted Answer

Beans contain oligosaccharides like stachyose, which are fermented by bacteria in the large intestine.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the storage of carbohydrates in plants and animals?

Accepted Answer

Plants store carbohydrates as starch, while animals store carbohydrates as glycogen.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of muscle glycogen during intense physical activity?

Accepted Answer

Muscle glycogen is broken down to glucose, which is used exclusively by the muscle for energy.

Complex Carbohydrates: Structure, Function, and Nutrition

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