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Multiple Choice
Which type of carbohydrates are primarily used to store energy in living organisms?
A
Polysaccharides
B
Oligosaccharides
C
Monosaccharides
D
Disaccharides
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of carbohydrates in living organisms: Carbohydrates are organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They serve various functions, including energy storage, structural support, and cellular communication.
Learn about the types of carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are classified into four main types based on their complexity: monosaccharides (single sugar molecules), disaccharides (two sugar molecules), oligosaccharides (short chains of sugar molecules), and polysaccharides (long chains of sugar molecules).
Focus on energy storage: Energy storage carbohydrates are typically large and complex molecules that can store energy efficiently. Polysaccharides, such as starch in plants and glycogen in animals, are the primary molecules used for energy storage because they can be broken down into simpler sugars when energy is needed.
Compare the options: Monosaccharides (e.g., glucose) are immediate energy sources but not ideal for long-term storage. Disaccharides (e.g., sucrose) are used for transport but not storage. Oligosaccharides are involved in cell signaling and recognition rather than energy storage. Polysaccharides are the most suitable for energy storage due to their structure and ability to store large amounts of energy.
Conclude the reasoning: Based on the explanation, polysaccharides are the type of carbohydrates primarily used to store energy in living organisms. Examples include starch in plants and glycogen in animals.