Problem 76 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

Maximum number of monosaccharide units present in oligosaccharides is (a) 5 (b) 10 (c) 15 (d) 20

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The maximum number of monosaccharide units in oligosaccharides is (b) 10.

Step 1: Understanding Oligosaccharides

Oligosaccharides are carbohydrates that consist of a small number of monosaccharide units. By definition, they contain between 3 to approximately 10 monosaccharide units. Anything beyond this is typically considered a polysaccharide.

Step 2: Analyzing Answer Choices

Reflect on each of the multiple-choice options provided. Since oligosaccharides range from 3 to roughly 10 monosaccharides, evaluate whether each number fits within this range.

Step 3: Evaluating the Correct Answer

Among the given choices, 10 is the maximum number of monosaccharide units that aligns with the definition of oligosaccharides. Therefore, the correct answer falls within the typical range of oligosaccharides.

Key Concepts

Monosaccharide Units

Monosaccharide units are often referred to as the building blocks of carbohydrates. These simple sugar molecules are the most basic form of carbohydrates and cannot be broken down into simpler compounds. Common monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose. Each of these has a unique structure and plays vital roles in various biological processes.

• Glucose: Often referred to as blood sugar, it's essential for energy production in our bodies.
• Fructose: Found in fruits, honey, and root vegetables, it's the sweetest of all natural sugars.
• Galactose: A component of lactose, found in milk and dairy products.

The number of monosaccharide units determines whether a carbohydrate is a simple sugar or part of a more complex structure like oligosaccharides or polysaccharides. Oligosaccharides contain 3 to 10 monosaccharide units, while polysaccharides contain many more.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are essential macronutrients composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They are the primary energy source for the body, especially for the brain and muscles during physical activity. Carbohydrates are classified based on the number of sugar units they contain:

• Monosaccharides: Single sugar units, such as glucose.
• Disaccharides: Composed of two monosaccharide units, like sucrose (table sugar).
• Oligosaccharides: Made up of 3 to 10 monosaccharide units, providing various physiological functions, including roles in cell recognition and signaling.
• Polysaccharides: Long chains of monosaccharide units, forming complex carbohydrates like starch and cellulose.

Carbohydrates are crucial for maintaining energy levels and promoting overall health. They are stored in the form of glycogen in the muscles and liver, to be used when the body needs an energy boost.

Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that consist of numerous monosaccharide units linked together. These large molecules are vital for many functions in living organisms. They can be broken down into two categories based on their roles and structures:

• Structural polysaccharides: Such as cellulose, which provides strength and rigidity to plant cell walls.
• Storage polysaccharides: Like starch and glycogen, which store energy in plants and animals, respectively.

One thing that makes polysaccharides so versatile is the diversity of their monosaccharide composition and the glycosidic linkages between them. This complexity is what allows polysaccharides to serve different roles within biological systems. Overall, polysaccharides are not just energy reserves but also play key roles in architectural and defensive mechanisms in plants and animals alike.