Interpretation: Humans cannot digest cellulose, which is made of the same monomers as starch is to be explained.
Concept introduction: Starch and cellulose are polysaccharides formed by linking glucose monomers.
Answer to Problem 90A
The glucose units of cellulose are joined by beta-glucose linkage, unlike the glucose units of starch, which are linked by alpha-glucose linkage. Humans lack the necessary enzymes to degrade the beta-glucose linkage.
Explanation of Solution
The glucose units that make up cellulose join through beta-glucose linkage, while starch links its glucose units through alpha-glucose linkage. Unfortunately, humans do not have the enzymes that are capable of breaking down the beta-glucose bond. Therefore, humans cannot digest cellulose.
The glucose units of cellulose are joined by beta-glucose linkage, unlike the glucose units of starch, which are linked by alpha-glucose linkage. Humans lack the necessary enzymes to degrade the beta-glucose linkage.
Chapter 24 Solutions
Chemistry 2012 Student Edition (hard Cover) Grade 11
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