Starch and cellulose are two polysaccharides formed from glucose monomers with glycosidic linkages. Most animals can use starch for energy, but cannot digest cellulose.Which of the following statements best describes how the molecular structure of cellulose inhibits its digestion by animals?
Answer
A
The location of the disulfide bridges in cellulose create a linear structure where enzymes cannot catalyze decomposition.
B
The modified glucose units of cellulose have a nitrogen-containing functional group that inhibits decomposition.
C
Cellulose is made of glucose monomers in α form that animal enzymes cannot hydrolyze.
D
Cellulose is made of glucose monomers with β linkages that animal enzymes cannot hydrolyze.
Explanation
Cellulose consists of glucose monomers joined by β glycosidic linkages. Most animals lack the enzymes needed to break these β linkages, so they cannot digest cellulose. Starch has α linkages, which animal digestive enzymes can hydrolyze; therefore, the statement about cellulose’s β linkages is correct.
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