Carbohydrate chemistry — Regarding glycosidic bonds, which statements are accurate in the specific examples given?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Both (b) and (c)

Explanation:


Introduction:
Glycosidic bonds link monosaccharides into disaccharides and polysaccharides. This question tests your understanding using sucrose and maltose as examples, while also touching on lactose intolerance and enzymatic hydrolysis by other organisms (e.g., bees).


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Sucrose consists of glucose and fructose linked by an alpha(1→2)beta glycosidic bond.
  • Bees secrete invertase (sucrase) that hydrolyzes sucrose to glucose and fructose, producing invert sugar (as in honey processing).
  • Lactose intolerance reflects lactase deficiency (beta-galactosidase), not maltase deficiency.


Concept / Approach:
Evaluate each statement in context. Statements about sucrose formation and hydrolysis are correct, while the statement tying maltose hydrolysis to lactose intolerance is incorrect because maltose is hydrolyzed by maltase, which remains functional in lactose intolerance.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Confirm composition of sucrose: glucose + fructose joined by a glycosidic linkage → statement (c) is correct.Confirm enzyme action: bee invertase (a sucrase) hydrolyzes sucrose → statement (b) is correct.Assess statement (a): lactose intolerance affects lactase, not maltase → statement (a) is false.Combine truths: both (b) and (c) are correct → choose option (d).


Verification / Alternative check:
Biochemistry texts describe sucrose hydrolysis by sucrase/invertase and the clinical focus on lactase deficiency for lactose intolerance.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

a) Incorrect link to lactose intolerance; maltose digestion is unaffected.e) At least two statements are true, so “none” is wrong.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming all disaccharidase deficiencies co-occur; failing to distinguish the specific enzymes for lactose (lactase) versus maltose (maltase) and sucrose (sucrase/invertase).


Final Answer:
Both (b) and (c).

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