Carbohydrate structure and function

Quiz Type

Practice

Subject

Biochemistry

Level

Level 600

Questions

10 questions

Created By

Missdolyn A

Quick Rules

Time limit: 50 minutes
Multiple attempts are not allowed
All questions must be answered to submit

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Question 1 of 10

Question 1

Basic multiple choice Remembering

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in living organisms?

Provide insulation and protection

Store and provide energy

Correct

Aid in muscle contraction

Facilitate nerve signal transmission

Explanation

Carbohydrates are primarily used to store and provide energy for living organisms, making them essential for metabolic processes.

Question 2

Basic multiple choice Remembering

Which of the following is a simple carbohydrate?

Starch

Glycogen

Glucose

Correct

Cellulose

Explanation

Glucose is a simple carbohydrate, also known as a monosaccharide, while starch, glycogen, and cellulose are complex carbohydrates.

Question 3

Basic multiple choice Remembering

What type of carbohydrate is cellulose primarily classified as?

Monosaccharide

Disaccharide

Polysaccharide

Correct

Oligosaccharide

Explanation

Cellulose is classified as a polysaccharide, as it is a long chain of glucose units linked together.

Question 4

Basic multiple choice Remembering

Which of the following carbohydrates is commonly used for energy storage in animals?

Glucose

Fructose

Glycogen

Correct

Sucrose

Explanation

Glycogen is the storage form of glucose in animals and is used for energy when needed.

Question 5

Basic multiple choice Remembering

What are the building blocks of carbohydrates?

Amino acids

Fatty acids

Monosaccharides

Correct

Nucleotides

Explanation

Monosaccharides are the basic building blocks of carbohydrates, which can combine to form larger carbohydrate structures.

Question 6

Complex multiple choice Understanding

A biologist studying the role of carbohydrates in cellular structure is investigating a specific type of carbohydrate that consists of long chains of monosaccharides. Which carbohydrate structure is likely being analyzed, and what is its primary function in cells?

Starch, which serves as an energy reserve for plants

Correct

Cellulose, which provides structural support in plant cell walls

Glycogen, which acts as a quick energy source in animals

Chitin, which forms exoskeletons in arthropods

Explanation

The biologist is likely analyzing starch, which is a polysaccharide made of long chains of glucose molecules and serves as an energy reserve for plants. Cellulose, while also a polysaccharide, primarily provides structural support rather than energy. Glycogen, similar in function to starch, is shorter in chains and primarily found in animals, thus not the focus here. Chitin is unrelated as it pertains to arthropod structures.

Question 7

Complex multiple choice Understanding

In an experiment, a researcher introduces a specific carbohydrate (disaccharide) to yeast cells. The researcher observes that the yeast actively metabolizes the carbohydrate, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide. What can be inferred about the characteristics of the disaccharide and its relationship with yeast metabolism?

The disaccharide must be a fermentable sugar, such as sucrose or lactose

Correct

The disaccharide inhibits yeast metabolism due to its complex structure

The disaccharide is a non-fermentable sugar, causing yeast to undergo aerobic respiration

The disaccharide enhances yeast growth by preventing fermentation

Explanation

The correct inference is that the disaccharide is a fermentable sugar like sucrose or lactose, which yeast can metabolize anaerobically to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide. The other options indicate misunderstandings: disaccharides generally do not inhibit metabolism, and non-fermentable sugars would not lead to such metabolic processes.

Question 8

Case based multiple choice Understanding

[Case Scenario] A group of biochemistry students is studying carbohydrate structures in various organisms. They observe that some plants store energy in the form of starch, while animals store energy as glycogen. They are intrigued by how these structures differ at the molecular level and how they relate to the functional needs of each organism. Question: What can the students conclude about the primary structural differences between starch and glycogen that contribute to their different functions in energy storage?

Starch is composed of branched chains that allow for rapid mobilization of energy, while glycogen has a linear structure which is less accessible.

Glycogen contains more branching compared to starch, which enables faster breakdown and mobilization of glucose for energy in animals.

Correct

Both starch and glycogen are linear polymers; starch is used by animals while glycogen is used by plants for energy storage.

Starch and glycogen serve similar purposes in storage but differ in their length of the polymer chain; starch is longer than glycogen.

Explanation

The students should conclude that glycogen's structure, with its extensive branching, allows for faster mobilization of energy when compared to starch, which has fewer branches. This structural difference directly affects how energy is stored and accessed in animals versus plants.

Question 9

Case based multiple choice Understanding

[Case Scenario] In a recent laboratory experiment, a team of researchers is tasked with analyzing the glycoproteins produced by a particular bacterium. They learn that these glycoproteins play critical roles in cell recognition and signaling processes. They notice that the carbohydrate portions of these glycoproteins consist of various monosaccharides that can affect their functions. Question: How do the specific kinds of monosaccharides in the carbohydrate portions of glycoproteins influence their cellular functions?

Different monosaccharides can provide unique chemical signals that facilitate specific interactions between cells and their environment.

Correct

The structure of glycoproteins is solely determined by the length of the carbohydrate chains, which limits their functionality.

Only one specific monosaccharide is responsible for glycoprotein function, which oversimplifies their complexity.

The carbohydrate portions of glycoproteins do not influence their function; only the proteins themselves are important.

Explanation

The researchers should conclude that the various monosaccharides in glycoproteins can create unique chemical interactions, which are critical for cell signaling and interaction. Different monosaccharides lead to different recognition patterns and functions within a biological context.

Question 10

Case based multiple choice Understanding

[Case Scenario] During a class on metabolism, students are conducting an experiment comparing the rates of cellular respiration in cells utilizing different types of carbohydrates. They decide to use glucose, fructose, and sucrose. They measure the amount of ATP produced over time and expect to see variations in energy yield based on the complexity and structure of these carbohydrates. Question: What should the students predict about the relative energy yields of glucose, fructose, and sucrose during cellular respiration?

Fructose will yield the most ATP because it is a monosaccharide and can enter glycolysis directly, while sucrose must first be broken down.

Correct

All three carbohydrates will yield the same amount of ATP since they are all eventually converted into the same molecules during respiration.

Glucose will yield the least amount of ATP because it is more complex than fructose and sucrose.

Sucrose will yield more ATP than both glucose and fructose because it has a more complex structure.

Explanation

The students should predict that fructose, being a monosaccharide, can enter glycolysis directly which would lead to a greater and quicker yield of ATP compared to sucrose, which must first be hydrolyzed. This observation highlights the importance of carbohydrate structure on metabolism and energy yield.