Cellobiose, shown below, cannot be hydrolyzed into monosaccharides by humans. Which statement best describes why this is the case?
A) Cellobiose contains a $\beta$-(1→4) glycosidic linkage, which is not a substrate for glycosidases in the human stomach.
B) Human enzymes do not accept glucose molecules as substrates.
C) Cellobiose is composed of monosaccharides that are not part of the human diet.
D) The glycosidic bond in this disaccharide is unusually strong.
E) No disaccharide is hydrolyzed by humans.

Question

Cellobiose, shown below, cannot be hydrolyzed into monosaccharides by humans. Which statement best describes why this is the case? 
A) Cellobiose contains a $\beta$-(1→4) glycosidic linkage, which is not a substrate for glycosidases in the human stomach. 
B) Human enzymes do not accept glucose molecules as substrates. 
C) Cellobiose is composed of monosaccharides that are not part of the human diet. 
D) The glycosidic bond in this disaccharide is unusually strong. 
E) No disaccharide is hydrolyzed by humans.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cellobiose contains a beta 1-4 glycosidic linkage, which is not a substrate for glycosidases in the human stomach. Humans lack the enzyme cellulase, which is required to break down this type of linkage.

Cellobiose, Shown Below, Cannot Be Hydrolyzed into Monosaccharides by Humans β\betaβ

Cellobiose, Shown Below, Cannot Be Hydrolyzed into Monosaccharides by Humans $\beta$