The answer is (2) 10.
Let's dive into more detail about oligosaccharides and why they are characterized by having a maximum of 10 monosaccharide units:
1. Definition of Oligosaccharides:
Oligosaccharides are a type of carbohydrate composed of a relatively small number of monosaccharide units. The prefix "oligo-" means "few," and oligosaccharides typically contain 2 to 10 monosaccharide units.
2. Monosaccharide Units:
Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates and cannot be further hydrolyzed into smaller sugar units.
Examples of monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose.
3. Oligosaccharide Structure:
Oligosaccharides are formed by the covalent linkage of two or more monosaccharide units through glycosidic bonds.
The glycosidic bonds are formed through a condensation reaction, where a water molecule is eliminated.
4. Classification of Oligosaccharides:
The number of monosaccharide units in oligosaccharides determines their specific classification:
Disaccharides: 2 monosaccharide units (e.g., sucrose, lactose, maltose).
Trisaccharides: 3 monosaccharide units.
Tetrasaccharides: 4 monosaccharide units.
Pentasaccharides: 5 monosaccharide units.
Hexosaccharides: 6 monosaccharide units.
Heptasaccharides: 7 monosaccharide units.
Octasaccharides: 8 monosaccharide units.
Nonasaccharides: 9 monosaccharide units.
Decasaccharides: 10 monosaccharide units.
5. Biological Roles of Oligosaccharides:
Oligosaccharides play crucial roles in various biological processes, including cell recognition, cell adhesion, and signaling.
They are often found as components of glycoproteins and glycolipids on the cell surface.
6. Polysaccharides vs. Oligosaccharides:
Polysaccharides, in contrast to oligosaccharides, are composed of a larger number of monosaccharide units. They often have hundreds to thousands of monosaccharides linked together.
Examples of polysaccharides include starch, glycogen, and cellulose.
7. Examples of Oligosaccharides:
Some examples of oligosaccharides include raffinose (trisaccharide), stachyose (tetrasaccharide), and maltotriose (trisaccharide).
8. Importance in Nutrition:
Some oligosaccharides, such as those found in certain dietary fibers, serve as prebiotics that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
In summary, oligosaccharides are carbohydrates composed of a moderate number of monosaccharide units, with a maximum of 10 units. They play important roles in various biological processes, and their structural diversity contributes to their functional significance in living organisms. |
