Final answer:
Cellulose, as a component of dietary fiber, is the only carbohydrate expected to be present in the colon because it remains undigested, providing benefits for digestive health.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the digestive process, carbohydrates are broken down into their simplest forms for absorption in the small intestine. Starches and disaccharides like sucrose and lactose are converted by various enzymes into monosaccharides such as glucose, which are readily absorbed. However, the human digestive system is not capable of breaking down cellulose, a fibrous polysaccharide. Therefore, cellulose is the only type of carbohydrate that should typically be present in the colon. It passes into the colon undigested, where it provides dietary fiber, aiding in the movement of food through the alimentary canal and overall gut health.
Given this information, the final answer to the student's question about which type of carbohydrate should be present in a normally functioning colon is cellulose. This indigestible polysaccharide is a crucial component of dietary fiber that plays a significant role in maintaining healthy digestion.
Cellulose is the only type of carbohydrate that should be present in the colon, as it provides essential dietary fiber and aids digestion.