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BIO NMDCAT Carbohydrates
nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

The primary reason that humans can digest starch but not cellulose is the specificity of human amylases for

A. The β-1,4 glycosidic bonds present in cellulose
B. The α-1,4 glycosidic bonds present in starch and glycogen
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C. Peptide bonds that link starch monomers
D. Ester bonds in the starch polymer backbone

📝 Explanation

Human digestive enzymes (salivary and pancreatic amylase) can only hydrolyze the α-1,4 glycosidic bonds found in starch's amylose and amylopectin. Cellulose consists of glucose units linked by β-1,4 bonds, which require the enzyme cellulase, not produced in the human digestive tract.

📖 Additional Information

  • The β-1,4 glycosidic bonds present in cellulose
  • The α-1,4 glycosidic bonds present in starch and glycogen
  • Peptide bonds that link starch monomers
  • Ester bonds in the starch polymer backbone

Human digestive enzymes (salivary and pancreatic amylase) can only hydrolyze the α-1,4 glycosidic bonds found in starch's amylose and amylopectin. Cellulose consists of glucose units linked by β-1,4 bonds, which require the enzyme cellulase, not produced in the human digestive tract.

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