Introductory Chemistry (5th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 032191029X
ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-029-5

Chapter 19 - Biochemistry - Exercises - Questions - Page 728: 9

Answer

Starch and cellulose are both polysaccharides, but only starch can be digested and broken down by humans. This is due to the difference in bonds between units in each polymer. Humans lack the particular enzyme to digest cellulose, so it tends to passed through our bodies intact.

Work Step by Step

Starch and cellulose are both polysaccharides, but only starch can be digested and broken down by humans. This is due to the difference in bonds between units in each polymer. Humans lack the particular enzyme to digest cellulose, so it tends to passed through our bodies intact.
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