Question

An artificial sweetener, aspartame is a:

• A. Monosaccharide
• B. Disaccharide
• C. Oligosaccharide
• D. Synthetic dipeptide

Hint:

Remember that aspartame's structure as a combination of two specific amino acids makes it a synthetic dipeptide, distinguishing it from natural sugars or oligosaccharides.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Concept
Aspartame is a synthetic compound used as an artificial sweetener. It consists of two amino acids, phenylalanine, and aspartic acid, linked together in a dipeptide bond.

Step 2: Meaning
A) Monosaccharide: A simple sugar composed of one monomer. B) Disaccharide: A carbohydrate consisting of two monosaccharides joined by a glycosidic bond. C) Oligosaccharide: A carbohydrate made up of a small number (typically 3-10) of monosaccharides linked together. D) Synthetic dipeptide: A compound formed when two amino acids are bonded through a peptide linkage.

Step 3: Analysis
Aspartame is composed of aspartic acid and phenylalanine, which are both amino acids. When these two amino acids are joined by a peptide bond, they form a dipeptide. This structure does not fit the definitions of monosaccharide (A), disaccharide (B), or oligosaccharide (C). Instead, it aligns with the definition of a synthetic dipeptide (D).

Step 4: Conclusion
Aspartame is synthesized in a laboratory and consists of two amino acids linked by a peptide bond. Final Answer: (D)