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BIO NMDCAT Carbohydrates
nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

A characteristic feature distinguishing an oligosaccharide from a polysaccharide is that oligosaccharides typically contain

A. Only one type of monosaccharide unit
B. A large, highly branched structure with an average molecular weight over 100,000 Daltons
C. Chains of 2-10 monosaccharide units linked by glycosidic bonds
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D. Exclusive β-linkages that make them indigestible to most animals

📝 Explanation

By definition, oligosaccharides (oligo = few) are short polymers of 2 to about 10 monosaccharides. Common examples are disaccharides (sucrose, lactose, maltose). Polysaccharides contain hundreds or thousands of monosaccharide units.

📖 Additional Information

  • Only one type of monosaccharide unit
  • A large, highly branched structure with an average molecular weight over 100,000 Daltons
  • Chains of 2-10 monosaccharide units linked by glycosidic bonds
  • Exclusive β-linkages that make them indigestible to most animals

By definition, oligosaccharides (oligo = few) are short polymers of 2 to about 10 monosaccharides. Common examples are disaccharides (sucrose, lactose, maltose). Polysaccharides contain hundreds or thousands of monosaccharide units.

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