Which is the most common complex carbohydrate on earth?
A. Starch
B. Glycogen
C. Cellulose
D. Hemicellulose
E. Chitin
Is B) Glycogen
To determine the most common complex carbohydrate on earth, we need to understand the properties and prevalence of each option given: starch, glycogen, cellulose, hemicellulose, and chitin.
Starch is a complex carbohydrate found abundantly in plants. It serves as a storage carbohydrate and is made up of glucose molecules. Starch is commonly found in many food sources such as grains, potatoes, and legumes. However, the question specifies the most common complex carbohydrate on earth, not just in food sources.
Glycogen is also a complex carbohydrate, but it primarily functions as a temporary storage form of glucose in animals and fungi. It is not as prevalent as starch and is mainly found in animal tissues and organs, such as the liver and muscles.
Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate that forms the structural component of plant cell walls. It is the most abundant organic compound on earth and can be found in the cell walls of all plant-based organisms. Cellulose is formed by linking glucose molecules together in a specific arrangement, which makes it more rigid than other complex carbohydrates.
Hemicellulose is another complex carbohydrate that contributes to the structure of plant cell walls, similar to cellulose. It is a heteropolymer, meaning it consists of different sugar molecules arranged together. Hemicellulose is found in various plant tissues and is easily hydrolyzed by enzymes.
Chitin is a complex carbohydrate that forms the exoskeleton of arthropods, such as insects and crustaceans, as well as the cell walls of fungi. It provides structural support and protection. While chitin is widespread in these organisms, it is not as universally present as cellulose.
Based on the given options, the correct answer is C. Cellulose. Cellulose is the most common complex carbohydrate on earth due to its widespread presence in plant cell walls. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of plants and is found in virtually all plant-based organisms.