α-glucose is present in potatoes and β-glucose is present in wood.Both are glucose molecules but one can be used by humans to synthesize ATP and one cannot.Based on this information,what is the best explanation on why humans can only digest one of the glucose types? A)α-glucose is C₆H₁₂O₆ and β-glucose is C₅H₁₂O₆. B)α-glucose and β-glucose are stereoisomers with OH groups oriented differently. C)Only α-glucose can form polysaccharides. D)α-glucose is a chain and β-glucose is a ring.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The orientation of the OH group on the first carbon (C1) of glucose determines whether it is α-glucose or β-glucose. Humans have enzymes that can only digest α-glucose because the orientation of the OH group on C1 is necessary for the enzymes to recognize and bind to the molecule. β-glucose cannot be used in human metabolism because the OH group on C1 is oriented differently, making it inaccessible to human enzymes.

α-Glucose Is Present in Potatoes and β-Glucose Is Present in Wood.Both