Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the main functions of polysaccharides in plants?
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1. Introduction to Biochemistry
Carbohydrates
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Which of the following is a key structural difference between cellulose and glucose?
A
Cellulose is a monosaccharide, while glucose is a disaccharide.
B
Cellulose is a polysaccharide composed of many glucose units linked by β(1→4) glycosidic bonds, while glucose is a monosaccharide.
C
Cellulose and glucose have different molecular formulas.
D
Cellulose contains α(1→6) glycosidic bonds, while glucose contains β(1→4) bonds.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the definitions of the terms 'monosaccharide' and 'polysaccharide'. A monosaccharide is a single sugar molecule, such as glucose, while a polysaccharide is a polymer composed of many monosaccharide units linked together.
Step 2: Examine the structure of glucose. Glucose is a monosaccharide with the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₆. It is a simple sugar and serves as a building block for larger carbohydrates.
Step 3: Analyze the structure of cellulose. Cellulose is a polysaccharide composed of many glucose units linked together by β(1→4) glycosidic bonds. These bonds form a linear, rigid structure that is a key component of plant cell walls.
Step 4: Compare the glycosidic bonds in cellulose and glucose. Cellulose contains β(1→4) glycosidic bonds, which differ from the α(1→4) or α(1→6) glycosidic bonds found in other polysaccharides like starch. Glucose, being a monosaccharide, does not contain glycosidic bonds.
Step 5: Conclude that the key structural difference is that cellulose is a polysaccharide composed of many glucose units linked by β(1→4) glycosidic bonds, while glucose is a monosaccharide. This distinction highlights the complexity and function of cellulose compared to the simplicity of glucose.
