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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes oligosaccharides?
A
Carbohydrates consisting of a single monosaccharide unit.
B
Carbohydrates composed of 3 to 10 monosaccharide units linked by glycosidic bonds.
C
Carbohydrates made up of hundreds to thousands of monosaccharide units.
D
Carbohydrates that are non-reducing sugars only.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the term 'oligosaccharides.' Oligosaccharides are carbohydrates composed of a small number of monosaccharide units, typically ranging from 3 to 10, linked together by glycosidic bonds.
Step 2: Compare the given options to the definition of oligosaccharides. The first option describes monosaccharides, which are single sugar units, and does not match the definition of oligosaccharides.
Step 3: Evaluate the second option. It states that oligosaccharides are carbohydrates composed of 3 to 10 monosaccharide units linked by glycosidic bonds. This aligns with the definition of oligosaccharides.
Step 4: Analyze the third option. It describes polysaccharides, which are carbohydrates made up of hundreds to thousands of monosaccharide units, and does not match the definition of oligosaccharides.
Step 5: Consider the fourth option. It states that oligosaccharides are non-reducing sugars only. This is incorrect because oligosaccharides can be reducing or non-reducing depending on their structure and the presence of free anomeric carbons.