Question

Starch is an example of _______.

• A. Monosaccharides
• B. Oligosaccharides
• C. Disaccharides
• D. Polysaccharides

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In the context of biology and agriculture, the classification of carbohydrates includes various types based on their complexity and structure. Starch, a common carbohydrate, is a vital energy storage compound in plants. Its classification can be understood through the hierarchy of carbohydrate types: 

Type	Description
Monosaccharides	Single sugar molecules (e.g., glucose, fructose)
Disaccharides	Two monosaccharides linked together (e.g., sucrose)
Oligosaccharides	Few monosaccharides, typically 3-10, linked together
Polysaccharides	Long chains of monosaccharides (e.g., starch, cellulose)

Starch is composed of numerous glucose units linked together, forming a complex structure. This extensive chain of glucose makes starch a polysaccharide. Therefore, among the options given:

• Monosaccharides - Incorrect
• Oligosaccharides - Incorrect
• Disaccharides - Incorrect
• Polysaccharides - Correct 

Conclusion: Starch is an example of polysaccharides because it consists of multiple glucose units bonded to form long chains. This classification highlights its role as a significant energy store in plants, facilitating sustained energy release when broken down.

Answer 2

The correct answer is (4) Polysaccharides.

Starch is a polysaccharide, which is a type of carbohydrate made up of many glucose molecules linked together in a chain. Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates, and starch is a primary storage form of energy in plants.

Let’s review the other options:

(1) Monosaccharides: Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of a single sugar unit. Examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

(2) Oligosaccharides: Oligosaccharides are carbohydrates composed of 2-10 monosaccharide units. Examples include maltodextrins and some sugar chains.

(3) Disaccharides: Disaccharides are carbohydrates made of two monosaccharide units. Examples include sucrose (table sugar), lactose (milk sugar), and maltose (malt sugar).

Thus, starch is a polysaccharide because it is made up of many glucose units, making the correct answer (4) Polysaccharides.