Identifying the Pure Polysaccharide List- Which of the Following Contains Only Carbohydrate Macromolecules-

Which of the following lists contains only polysaccharides? This question often arises in discussions about carbohydrates, a vital group of organic compounds found in various forms in nature. Polysaccharides, a subclass of carbohydrates, are long chains of monosaccharides linked together. They serve multiple functions in living organisms, including energy storage, structural support, and cell signaling. In this article, we will explore different lists and determine which one exclusively contains polysaccharides.

Carbohydrates are categorized into three main types: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides are single sugar units, such as glucose, fructose, and galactose. Disaccharides are composed of two monosaccharides, like sucrose (glucose + fructose) and lactose (glucose + galactose). Polysaccharides, on the other hand, are complex carbohydrates made up of many monosaccharides linked together through glycosidic bonds.

To answer the question, let’s examine some lists:

1. Glucose, sucrose, cellulose, starch, and lactose.
2. Glucose, fructose, galactose, cellulose, and maltose.
3. Sucrose, lactose, maltose, glycogen, and dextran.

To determine which list contains only polysaccharides, we must identify the carbohydrates that are composed of many monosaccharide units. From the first list, we can eliminate glucose, sucrose, and lactose as they are either monosaccharides or disaccharides. The second list also contains monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, and galactose) and disaccharides (maltose). The third list, however, consists solely of polysaccharides: glycogen, dextran, and cellulose.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question “Which of the following lists contains only polysaccharides?” is:

3. Sucrose, lactose, maltose, glycogen, and dextran.

This list demonstrates that polysaccharides play a significant role in the world of carbohydrates and have various applications in biological systems. By understanding the composition and functions of polysaccharides, we can appreciate their importance in life processes and potential applications in various fields, such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.