Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biochemistry4h 34m
2. Water3h 23m
3. Amino Acids8h 10m
4. Protein Structure10h 4m
5. Protein Techniques14h 5m
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics13h 38m
7. Enzyme Inhibition and Regulation 8h 42m
8. Protein Function 9h 41m
9. Carbohydrates7h 49m
10. Lipids5h 49m
11. Biological Membranes and Transport 6h 37m
12. Biosignaling9h 45m
Review 1: Nucleic Acids, Lipids, & Membranes2h 47m
Review 2: Biosignaling, Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, & PP-Pathway3h 12m
Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism2h 26m
Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation1h 48m

1. Introduction to Biochemistry

Carbohydrates

Biochemistry

1. Introduction to Biochemistry

Carbohydrates

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Biochemistry?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best explains how dietary fiber differs from starches in terms of human digestion?

Fiber consists of polysaccharides that cannot be digested by human enzymes, while starches are polysaccharides that can be broken down and absorbed.

Starches are composed of monosaccharides, whereas fiber is made of disaccharides.

Fiber provides more calories per gram than starches because it is more easily metabolized.

Both fiber and starches are digested and absorbed in the small intestine at the same rate.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structural differences between dietary fiber and starches. Both are polysaccharides, but dietary fiber is composed of bonds that human digestive enzymes cannot break, such as β-glycosidic bonds, whereas starches contain α-glycosidic bonds that are easily hydrolyzed by enzymes like amylase.

Recall the role of human digestive enzymes. Enzymes like salivary and pancreatic amylase can break down starches into simpler sugars (e.g., maltose and glucose), which are absorbed in the small intestine. Fiber, however, resists enzymatic digestion and passes through the digestive system largely intact.

Consider the caloric contribution of fiber versus starches. Since fiber is not metabolized by human enzymes, it does not provide significant calories, whereas starches are broken down into glucose, which is a primary energy source for the body.

Evaluate the absorption process in the small intestine. Starches are digested and absorbed in the small intestine, while fiber is not absorbed but instead contributes to bulk in the digestive tract, aiding in bowel movements.

Compare the digestion rates of fiber and starches. Fiber is not digested or absorbed in the small intestine, whereas starches are rapidly broken down and absorbed. This difference highlights the unique roles of fiber and starches in human nutrition.