Cellulose and Starch Are Both Polymers of Glucose Units, but Most

question 12

Multiple Choice

Cellulose and starch are both polymers of glucose units, but most animals can only use starch as a source of carbohydrate in their diets. Why are most animals incapable of digesting cellulose?

• A) Starch contains α linkages between carbons 1 and 4, where as cellulose contains β linkages between carbons 1 and 2.
• B) This statement is incorrect. Most animals can digest cellulose.
• C) The polymer of cellulose is simply too long to be completely digested by animals.
• D) Most animals do not produce enzymes which are capable of hydrolyzing β linkages between glycoses.
• E) The glucose units of cellulose are in the open chain form and cannot be hydrolyzed by the cyclic-sugar specific enzymes of animals.

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Definitions:

Ranking

The act of arranging or grading individuals, items, or concepts according to their achieved level, performance, or quality.

Delphi Technique

A structured communication method that relies on a panel of experts answering questionnaires in two or more rounds to converge on a consensus solution or decision.

Six Questions Technique

A problem-solving approach that involves asking six specific questions to thoroughly understand a situation or challenge.

Nominal Group Technique

A structured decision-making process where individuals rank ideas or solutions, after which group discussions and prioritizations lead to a final decision.