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One of the main functions of chondroitin sulfate, a glycosaminoglycan, is to act as a lubrican in skeletal joints by creating a gel-like medium that is resilient to friction and shock. This function is attributed to a distinctive property of chondrotin sulfate, where the volume occupied by the molecule is much greater in solution than in the ehydrated solid.Select the statements that describe the characteristics of glycosaminoglycans that allow chondrotin sulfate to occupy a much larger volume in solution--- Chondroitin sulfate consists of several thousand repeats of the dissacharide subunits that trap a large number of water molecules. This increases the molecular volume of the molecule--- In solution, the highly branched structure of chondroitin sulfate froms a gel-like matrix that interacts with numerous water molecules. This increases the molecular volume of the molecule.---- In solution, chondroitin sulfate molecules form double helicies that associate with one another and trap a larger number of water molecules. This increases the molecular volume of the molecule.---- Chondroitin sulfate has a high density of negative charges. To ensure adequate separation of negatively charged groups, chondroitin sulfate adopts an extended rod-like structure that increases its molecular volume in solution---- The highly polar nature of chondroitin sulfate attracts numerous water molecules. Non-covalent interactions with a large number of water molecules increases its molecular volume.

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Final answer:

Chondroitin sulfate, a glycosaminoglycan, can occupy a large volume in solution due to the repeated disaccharide units that trap water, the high density of negative charges creating an extended structure, and its highly polar nature which attracts water molecules, forming a gel-like matrix.

Step-by-step explanation:

One of the key characteristics of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) like chondroitin sulfate is their ability to occupy a large volume in solution due to their structure and interaction with water molecules. Chondroitin sulfate comprises thousands of repeats of disaccharide subunits, which allows it to trap water molecules and increase its volume significantly, thus acting as a lubricant in joints. Also, the molecule has a high density of negative charges that leads it to adopt an extended rod-like structure in solution, maximizing space between charges and further expanding its volume. Additionally, the highly polar nature of chondroitin sulfate attracts water molecules through non-covalent interactions, contributing to the formation of gel-like matrix that is essential for its function in cartilage.

User Praveesh P
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Answer:the volume occupied by the molecule is much greater in solution than in the dehydrated solid.

Step-by-step explanation:

Glycosaminoglycan, chondroitin sulfate acts as a lubricant in skeletal joints by providing a friction and shock resistant gel-like matrix. This feature is due to a distinctive property of chondroitin sulfate, where the size of the molecule in solution is much greater than that of the dehydrated solid.

It is easily hydrated in

solution due to the

highly polar

nature of chondroitin

sulfate. It

raises the molecule's

molecular weight.

Chondroitin sulfate has a

high negative charge concentration.

Chondroitin sulfate adopts an

expanded rod-like

structure to ensure

adequate separation of

negatively charged species,

which increases

it's molecular volume

in solution.

User Spechal
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7.6k points