Question

α - glucose is present in potatoes and β - glucose is present in wood. Both are glucose molecules but one can be used by humans to synthesize ATP and one cannot. Based on this information, what is the best explanation on why humans can only digest one of the glucose types?

Answer 1

α-glucose, found in potatoes and other plants, can be broken down by humans to synthesize ATP, while β-glucose, found in wood and cellulose, cannot be digested by humans and converted into ATP.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between α-glucose and β-glucose is crucial in biochemical reactions, which is why humans can only digest α-glucose. α-glucose, found in potatoes and other plants, can be broken down by humans to synthesize ATP, a molecule that provides energy for our cells. On the other hand, β-glucose, found in wood and cellulose, cannot be digested by humans because our bodies lack the necessary enzymes to break it down and convert it into ATP.

In the breakdown of α-glucose, molecules of ATP are produced. ATP is composed of a ribose sugar, an adenine base, and three phosphate groups. It releases free energy when its phosphate bonds are broken, supplying ready energy to the cell. In contrast, β-glucose cannot be converted into ATP because its structure prevents it from being broken down into usable energy.