The breakdown of lactose in the small intestine is mediated by the enzyme lactase, and the products are galactose and glucose. Galactose and glucose are which of the following?

Rationale

Galactose and glucose are monosaccharides.

These molecules are simple sugars that represent the most basic units of carbohydrates. They cannot be further hydrolyzed into smaller carbohydrate units, distinguishing them from disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides, which are larger, more complex carbohydrate structures composed of multiple monosaccharide units.

A (Disaccharides) YOUR ANSWER

Disaccharides are composed of two monosaccharide units linked together. Lactose, the substrate for lactase, is itself a disaccharide, made up of the monosaccharides galactose and glucose. Once lactase breaks down lactose, the resulting products are separate monosaccharide units, not disaccharides.

B (Oligosaccharides) YOUR ANSWER

Oligosaccharides consist of a small number (typically three to ten) of monosaccharide units linked together. Galactose and glucose are individual monosaccharides, so they do not fall into this category.

C (Polysaccharides) YOUR ANSWER

Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that are composed of many (more than ten) monosaccharide units linked together. Common examples include starch and cellulose. Galactose and glucose, as single sugar units, are not polysaccharides.

D (Monosaccharides) CORRECT

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates and cannot be hydrolyzed further into smaller carbohydrate units. Galactose and glucose are prime examples of monosaccharides, serving as the basic building blocks for larger carbohydrate structures like disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Conclusion

The enzyme lactase breaks down lactose, a disaccharide, into its constituent monosaccharide units, galactose and glucose. These single sugar units are the simplest form of carbohydrates and serve as the foundation for all larger carbohydrate structures. Consequently, galactose and glucose are classified as monosaccharides, not disaccharides, oligosaccharides, or polysaccharides. This enzymatic breakdown is a key step in carbohydrate digestion, enabling these nutrients to be absorbed and utilized by the body.

The breakdown of lactose in the small intestine is mediated by the enzyme lactase, and the products are galactose and glucose. Galactose and glucose are which of the following?

Galactose and glucose are monosaccharides.

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