Chapter 24.1, Problem 4QQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To identify the site where the enzyme that converts disaccharides to monosaccharides is present.

Concept introduction: Carbohydrates are the biomolecules composed of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen atoms. Carbohydrate molecules are joined together by glycosidic linkage. They are an important source of energy and thus, serve as an important part of human nutrients.

Monosaccharides are the simplest carbohydrate units that cannot be hydrolyzed further to give the smallest units. Disaccharides contain two monosaccharide units and on hydrolysis, it gives two monosaccharide units.

In the digestion process, the food molecules break down into small chemical units through hydrolysis. These small chemical units are used by cells present in the body for their metabolic processes. An overview of carbohydrate digestion in humans is as follows:

Enzymes are specialized proteins that act as biological catalysts. Enzymes accelerate the biochemical reactions to produce the substances that are needed for cells for their proper functioning.