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Multiple Choice
Which statement accurately describes the properties of maltose?
A
Maltose is a non-reducing sugar formed from glucose and fructose.
B
Maltose is a polysaccharide that serves as the main storage form of carbohydrates in animals.
C
Maltose is a monosaccharide commonly found in fruit.
D
Maltose is a disaccharide composed of two glucose units linked by an \( \alpha(1 \rightarrow 4) \) glycosidic bond.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the term 'maltose.' Maltose is a disaccharide, meaning it is composed of two monosaccharide units. Specifically, maltose consists of two glucose molecules.
Step 2: Examine the type of bond that links the two glucose units in maltose. The bond is an alpha glycosidic bond, denoted as \( \alpha(1 \rightarrow 4) \), which means the bond forms between the first carbon of one glucose molecule and the fourth carbon of the second glucose molecule.
Step 3: Clarify why maltose is not a non-reducing sugar. Maltose has a free anomeric carbon on one of its glucose units, which allows it to act as a reducing sugar.
Step 4: Differentiate maltose from other carbohydrate types. Maltose is not a polysaccharide (which consists of many monosaccharide units) nor a monosaccharide (a single sugar unit). It is a disaccharide, composed of exactly two glucose units.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct description of maltose is: 'Maltose is a disaccharide composed of two glucose units linked by an \( \alpha(1 \rightarrow 4) \) glycosidic bond.' This statement accurately describes its structure and properties.