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 10.

Step 1: Understand the Definition of Oligosaccharides

Oligosaccharides are carbohydrates that consist of a small number of monosaccharide units. Typically, oligosaccharides are composed of 3 to 10 monosaccharides linked together.

Step 2: Identify the Range of Monosaccharide Units

Based on the definition, an oligosaccharide can have up to 10 monosaccharide units. They generally range from trisaccharides (3) to decasaccharides (10).

Step 3: Determine the Maximum Number

Given the definition, the maximum number of monosaccharide units in oligosaccharides is 10, which fits within the common understanding and classification of oligosaccharides.

Step 4: Match the Solution with Options Provided

The option that specifies 10 as the number of monosaccharide units present in oligosaccharides corresponds to option (b).

Key Concepts

Monosaccharide units

Monosaccharide units are the basic building blocks of carbohydrates. These small, simple sugars cannot be broken down further as they are already the most basic form.
Monosaccharides contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a specific ratio, generally as \( C_nH_{2n}O_n \). This simple formula hints at their composition, primarily glucose, fructose, and galactose, which are common monosaccharides.
Monosaccharides are crucial because they serve as the primary energy source for our bodies. In cellular activities, glucose, for example, is used in cellular respiration to produce ATP—our main energy currency.

• Easy to absorb: Monosaccharides can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
• Versatile: They can form more complex carbohydrates, such as disaccharides and polysaccharides.
• Structural correlation: The number of carbon atoms categorizes them, such as triose (3), tetrose (4), pentose (5), and hexose (6).

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are a diverse and essential class of nutrients found in many foods, providing energy and structural components.
Comprised of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, carbohydrates are recognized by the chemical formula \( C_n(H_2O)_m \). They can be simple or complex based on the number of sugar units involved.
Simple carbohydrates, or sugars, include monosaccharides and disaccharides, while complex carbohydrates encompass oligosaccharides and polysaccharides.

• Energy provision: Carbohydrates break down to be a primary energy source for bodily functions.
• Types and complexity: Carbohydrates range from simple sugars to complex forms like starch and fiber found in foods.
• Functional role: Carbs participate in immune function, fertilization, and cellular communication, besides being stored as glycogen in animals and starch in plants.

Understanding carbohydrates' functions highlights their role beyond energy; they are integral to various biological processes and essential in maintaining our health.

Decasaccharides

Decasaccharides are a type of oligosaccharide composed of ten monosaccharide units. They represent the upper limit of oligosaccharide classification, as oligosaccharides consist of 3 to 10 sugar units.
Unlike simple sugars, decasaccharides benefit from structural complexity, enabling varied biological functions. They are less common than smaller oligosaccharides but still play significant roles in biochemistry.
Their structure can facilitate cellular recognition and signaling, essential for various biological processes.

• Complexity: With ten monosaccharide units, decasaccharides can have diverse configurations and structures.
• Biological role: They function in cellular identification and communication, impacting immunological responses and development.
• Scarcity: While prevalent in nature, decasaccharides are less common than simpler oligosaccharides, leading to specialization in their functions.

Highlighting decasaccharides expands the understanding of carbohydrates, emphasizing their intricate roles in life sciences.