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Multiple Choice
Which of the following polysaccharides is digestible by humans?
A
Starch
B
Peptidoglycan
C
Cellulose
D
Chitin
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structural differences between the polysaccharides listed: Starch, Peptidoglycan, Cellulose, and Chitin. Focus on the type of glycosidic bonds present in each polysaccharide.
Recall that humans can digest polysaccharides with α-glycosidic bonds, as enzymes like amylase can break these bonds. Starch contains α-1,4 and α-1,6 glycosidic bonds, making it digestible.
Examine the other polysaccharides: Peptidoglycan, Cellulose, and Chitin. These contain β-glycosidic bonds, which human digestive enzymes cannot break down effectively.
Note that Cellulose has β-1,4 glycosidic bonds, Chitin has β-1,4 glycosidic bonds with an acetylated amino group, and Peptidoglycan has β-glycosidic bonds in its structure. These structural features make them indigestible to humans.
Conclude that Starch is the only polysaccharide among the options that is digestible by humans due to its α-glycosidic bonds.