The Question is from neet-botany biomolecules-biology polysaccarides, and it was created by the author B VENKAT

Question

Inulin, a storage polysaccharide found in some plants, differs from starch in several key aspects. Which of the following statements accurately describes a major difference between inulin and starch?

B VENKAT · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: D
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Carbohydrate structure and composition
 **Related Topics**: Polysaccharides, glycosidic bonds, plant storage molecules
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of monosaccharides (glucose, fructose), glycosidic bonds (α and β), and polymer structures.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
	The question asks for a major difference between inulin and starch, both storage polysaccharides in plants.
**Method & Steps**:
	1. Analyze each option to determine the accuracy of the statement regarding the differences between inulin and starch.
		Option A: Inulin is a linear polymer, not branched like starch's amylopectin component.  This statement is incorrect.
		Option B: Inulin is found in plants, not animals. This statement is incorrect.
		Option C: While the precise three-dimensional structures are complex, the statement about helical vs. sheet-like structures is an oversimplification and not a defining difference.
		Option D: This option accurately describes a key difference. Inulin is a fructan (polymer of fructose units linked by β(2→1) glycosidic bonds), while starch is a glucan (polymer of glucose units linked by α(1→4) and α(1→6) glycosidic bonds). The difference in the type of monosaccharide (fructose vs. glucose) and the type of glycosidic bond (β vs. α) are major structural differences.
	2. Select the option that correctly identifies a major difference.
		Option D is the correct option because it highlights the key differences in the monomer units (fructose vs. glucose) and the glycosidic bond linkages (β(2→1) vs. α(1→4) and α(1→6)).
	3.  The correct answer is the option that accurately describes the difference.
		Result: Option D
		Verification: The difference in monosaccharide units (fructose vs glucose) and glycosidic linkages (β(2→1) vs α(1→4) and α(1→6)) are well-established facts.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Inulin is a linear polymer, not branched.  Starch has both linear (amylose) and branched (amylopectin) components.
B :x: Both inulin and starch are found in plants.
C :x: While structural differences exist, this description is an oversimplification and not the primary defining difference.
D ✓: This option correctly highlights the key difference in the monosaccharide units and the type of glycosidic bonds.
## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1. Confusing the types of glycosidic bonds (α and β) and their implications for the polysaccharide structure.
			How to avoid:  Focus on the spatial arrangement of the glycosidic bond; α bonds create a helical structure, while β bonds often lead to linear or more rigid structures.
  2. Incorrectly associating inulin with animals instead of plants.
			How to avoid: Memorize that inulin is a plant storage polysaccharide.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1. Remember that inulin is a fructan (fructose polymer) and starch is a glucan (glucose polymer).
  2. Pay close attention to the numbers and symbols in the glycosidic bond notation (e.g., α(1→4), β(2→1)).

B VENKAT · Answer

Inulin is a branched polymer, while starch is strictly linear.

B VENKAT · Answer

Inulin is primarily found in animals, while starch is found in plants.

B VENKAT · Answer

Inulin forms a helical structure, while starch forms a sheet-like structure.

B VENKAT · Answer

The correct Option is "Inulin is composed of fructose units linked by β(2→1) glycosidic bonds, while starch primarily consists of glucose units linked by α(1→4) and α(1→6) bonds."

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