Problem 13 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Monomeric unit of inulin is (a) Glucose (b) Fructose (c) Mannose (d) Ribose

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The monomeric unit of inulin is fructose.

Step 1: Identifying the monomer of inulin

Inulin is a type of soluble fiber found in many plants. It is a polysaccharide, which is a long chain of carbohydrates. Specifically, it is a fructan, meaning that it is made up of fructose molecules linked together.

Step 2: Matching the monomer with the given options

When we look at the answer choices, we can see the fructose is listed as one of the options. So, the monomeric unit of inulin is fructose.

Key Concepts

Understanding Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are long chains of carbohydrate molecules and are an essential component of a balanced diet. In nature, polysaccharides serve as energy reserves and structural components of cells in plants and animals. When we digest polysaccharides, they must be broken down into monosaccharides, or simple sugars, before our bodies can use them as energy.

• Inulin, the focus of our exercise, is a unique polysaccharide known as a fructan.
• Fructans are composed of many fructose molecules linked together in chains.
• Although inulin is made from fructose units, it differs from starch, another common polysaccharide, which is made from glucose units.

From a dietary perspective, polysaccharides like inulin have various health benefits including improved digestive health and a lowered risk of certain chronic diseases.

The Benefits of Soluble Fiber

Soluble fiber, which dissolves in water, is found in various foods and is an important part of our diet. It becomes a gel-like substance in our digestive system that can slow down digestion and the absorption of nutrients, providing multiple health advantages.

• Soluble fibers like inulin can help regulate blood sugar levels and cholesterol.
• They are also known for fostering a healthy environment in the gut, by serving as prebiotics - food for beneficial gut bacteria.
• Moreover, soluble fiber adds bulk to stools, promoting bowel regularity.

Understanding the role of inulin as a soluble fiber can provide insights into how such substances contribute to overall health. It's these benefits that highlight the importance of inulin in our diets.

Fructose - Not Just Your Ordinary Sugar

Fructose is a simple sugar found in many fruits and is known for being the sweetest of all naturally occurring carbohydrates. It is metabolized differently from other sugars like glucose and has a lower glycemic index which means it does not cause as rapid a rise in blood sugar levels.

• While excessive consumption of fructose is associated with health issues, it is important to differentiate between natural fructose in fruits and added sugars.
• Fructans, such as inulin, are considered beneficial even though they are made from fructose, because they are not absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract and thus do not provide calories or sugar spikes.
• The monomeric form of fructose serves as the building block for inulin, signaling that it can be stored in a beneficial form, as seen in inulin's structure.

By identifying fructose as the monomer of inulin, we can appreciate the complexity and versatility of this simple sugar in various forms within our diet.