Carbohydrates Discussion Questions and Answers

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1.

Cellulose is a polymer made up of glucose: Explain why humans cannot utilize


cellulose as a nutrient source?
- Humans cannot utilize cellulose as a nutrient source because our body lacks the specific
enzyme for the hydrolysis of the beta acetal linkages of cellulose. This is why cellulose is
referred to as an insoluble fiber. Since there are no enzymes to break it down, it leaves
your digestive system unchanged.
2. How can carbohydrates be broken down into their components?
- Carbohydrates are broken down in your digestive tract by enzymes in saliva and the
pancreas. These enter the bloodstream and cause glucose levels to rise, The pancreas
releases insulin to help cells absorb glucose. The excess is stored as glycogen.
3. Compare and contrast starch and cellulose, both of which are plant polysaccharides.
- Starch is made up of two different types of alpha-glucose and are joined by alpha
linkages. They take form as amylose and amylopectin and can be found in corn,
potatoes, and rice. This makes them highly digestible and ideal for human consumption.
Their main function for plants is to store energy.
- Cellulose, on the other hand, is made up of one type of beta-glucose and joined by beta
linkages. They take their form as ignin, hemicellulose, and pure cellulose. They are used
for the structural support of plants which is why they can be utilized and found in paper
and cotton. Humans, however, cannot digest cellulose because we lack the azyme
needed to break down its linkages.
4. Why are fats and oils insoluble in water?
- Fatty acids, like fats and oils, have chains of hydrocarbons that are hydrophobic or
“water-fearing”. These chains form from nonpolar covalent bonds. Water’s polar covalent
bonds can only completely dissolve other polar bonds.
5. List the important functions of triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids.
- Triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids are also known as “lipids”. These help store
energy, make cell membranes, and produce hormones.Triglycerides are used by
humans and animals to store fat. Phospholipids make up the cell membrane in most
living things. Steroids are often in the form of hormones such as cortisone. Other
steroids also make up cell membranes. For instance, cholesterol.
6. List three properties of enzymes
- They are catalysts, which means they speed up the process of a chemical reaction
without being changed in the process.
- They are sensitive to temperature, especially heat. This is why they are described as
“thermo-labile”.
- They are also specific about their pH requirement. The correct pH level for a specific
enzyme is called “Optimum pH”.
Sources:
- https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Human_Biology/Book%3A_Human_Biology_(Waki
m_and_Grewal)/03%3A_Chemistry_of_Life/3.06%3A_Lipids#:~:text=Humans%20and%
20other%20animals%20store,with%20a%20four%2Dring%20structure.
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/
- https://www.rsb.org.uk/education/teaching-resources/secondary-schools/chemistry-for-bi
ologists
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