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Multiple Choice
Which type of carbohydrate is formed by linking together hundreds of sugar units?
A
Monosaccharide
B
Oligosaccharide
C
Disaccharide
D
Polysaccharide
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic types of carbohydrates: Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of a single sugar unit. Disaccharides are composed of two sugar units linked together. Oligosaccharides consist of a few (typically 3-10) sugar units. Polysaccharides are large molecules formed by linking together many sugar units, often hundreds or thousands.
Identify the key characteristic of polysaccharides: They are complex carbohydrates formed by the polymerization of monosaccharide units through glycosidic bonds.
Consider examples of polysaccharides: Common examples include starch, cellulose, and glycogen, which are all composed of long chains of glucose units.
Recognize the biological significance of polysaccharides: They serve various functions such as energy storage (e.g., starch in plants, glycogen in animals) and structural support (e.g., cellulose in plant cell walls).
Conclude that the type of carbohydrate formed by linking together hundreds of sugar units is a polysaccharide, based on the definition and characteristics discussed.