Question

Maltose is an example of ______ . (1) oligosaccharide (2) homopolysaccharide (3) heteropolysaccharide (4) monosaccharide

Short answer

1) Oligosaccharide 2) Homopolysaccharide 3) Heteropolysaccharide 4) Monosaccharide Answer: 1) Oligosaccharide

Step-by-step solution

Define the types of carbohydrates

Oligosaccharide: A carbohydrate consisting of a small number of monosaccharides (sugar units) linked together. Typically, oligosaccharides have 2-10 monosaccharides. Homopolysaccharide: Also known as a homoglycan, it is a type of polysaccharide (large carbohydrate) composed of a single type of monosaccharide. Heteropolysaccharide: Also known as a heteroglycan, it is a type of polysaccharide (large carbohydrate) composed of two or more different types of monosaccharides. Monosaccharide: The simplest form of carbohydrates that cannot be hydrolyzed further into simpler sugars. Examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Determine the structure of maltose

Maltose, also known as malt sugar, is a disaccharide formed by the condensation reaction (dehydration synthesis) between two glucose molecules. In this reaction, a water molecule is removed, and an alpha-(1,4)-glycosidic bond is formed between the two glucose units.

Match maltose with the correct category

Since maltose is a disaccharide consisting of two glucose molecules linked together, it is classified into the category of oligosaccharides, specifically as a disaccharide. Therefore, the correct answer is option (1) oligosaccharide.