MCAT Question A Day - 2/9/14 - Answer!

Which statement is true about the structures of carbohydrates?

A. Carbohydrates are polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones or compounds that can be hydrolyzed to form them.

B. Carbohydrates include glucose, starch, and glycogen only.

C. Carbohydrates are all aldohexoses.

D. All carbohydrates are epimers.

The correct answer is (A). Although glucose, starch, and glycogen are vital biochemical compounds, there are numerous other carbohydrates. Cellulose, which we use for paper, clothing, and shelter, is just an example of another carbohydrate. Monosaccharides are aldoses or ketoses and are usually also pentoses or hexoses. Dissacharides and polysaccharides can be hydrolyzed to monosaccharides.

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