Which carbohydrate can be used by the body as an immediate source of energy? glucose
cellulose
chitin
glycogen

Glucose is an important energy source of the body. It can be rapidly used as a fuel for the energy needs of the body or can be stored as glycogen in the liver and muscle cells.

Further Explanation:

Carbohydrates are macromolecules which are composed of atoms of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. The carbohydrates are used as a fuel to perform normal body functions. They are categorized as monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

The monosaccharides are simple sugars namely fructose, galactose, and glucose. These monosaccharides have a similar molecular formula   but show different arrangements of atoms in their structural formula. The disaccharides are made when two simple sugars are linked together. For example, glucose and fructose are linked or bonded together to form sucrose. The molecules containing three to six monosaccharide units form the oligosaccharides.

The polysaccharides are complex molecules consisting of monosaccharide units in large numbers. For example, cellulose is a vital structural constituent in plants and is comprised of many glucose units. Starch and glycogen are found respectively in plants and animals as an energy source. They are long-chain branching polymers of glucose. Chitin is also a fibrous component present in the cell walls of fungi. It is a polymer of a glucose derivative which is N-acetylglucosamine.

In order to use energy stored in glycogen, cellulose, and chitin, they have to be broken down into simple molecules or monosaccharides (glucose). This glucose is then utilized during cellular respiration to form ATP (adenosine 5' triphosphate).

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Answer Details:

Grade: High School

Subject: Biochemistry

Chapter: Carbohydrates

Keywords:

Carbohydrates, monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides, glucose, starch, glycogen, chitin, cellulose, ATP, cellular respiration, macromolecules, simple sugars.