Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
The term 'insoluble fiber' on food packages refers to which of the following molecules?
A
Cellulose
B
Lactose
C
Glycogen
D
Amylose
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the term 'insoluble fiber': Insoluble fiber refers to dietary components that cannot dissolve in water and pass through the digestive system largely intact, aiding in digestion and promoting bowel health.
Identify the molecular structure of cellulose: Cellulose is a polysaccharide composed of β-glucose units linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. Its structure is highly rigid and forms fibers that are insoluble in water.
Compare cellulose with the other options: Lactose is a disaccharide (sugar) composed of glucose and galactose, soluble in water. Glycogen is a highly branched polysaccharide used for energy storage in animals, and amylose is a linear polysaccharide component of starch, which is partially soluble in water.
Relate cellulose to its role in insoluble fiber: Cellulose is a major component of plant cell walls and is not digestible by humans due to the lack of enzymes to break β-1,4-glycosidic bonds, making it an ideal candidate for insoluble fiber.
Conclude that cellulose is the correct answer: Based on its structural properties and role in digestion, cellulose is the molecule referred to as 'insoluble fiber' on food packages.