Inulin is a polymer of :
AGlucose
BGalactose
CFructose
DLactose
Answer:
C. Fructose
Read Explanation:
Chemical Composition of Inulin
- Inulin is a polysaccharide belonging to a class of dietary fibers known as fructans.
- It is a polymer composed primarily of fructose units linked by β(2→1) glycosidic bonds.
- Usually, the chain terminates with a glucose unit.
Key Characteristics
- Storage Mechanism: Inulin serves as a storage carbohydrate in many plants, acting as an energy reserve.
- Natural Sources: It is found in high concentrations in roots and tubers, most notably in Jerusalem artichoke, dahlia, chicory root, garlic, onion, and asparagus.
- Human Digestion: Inulin is classified as a prebiotic. It is resistant to digestion in the human upper gastrointestinal tract (it cannot be hydrolyzed by human digestive enzymes) but is fermented by beneficial gut bacteria in the colon.
Biotechnological and Clinical Significance
- Renal Function Testing: Inulin is historically significant in medicine for the Inulin Clearance Test. Because it is filtered by the kidneys but neither reabsorbed nor secreted by the renal tubules, it is the gold standard for measuring the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR).
- Food Industry: Due to its ability to form a gel when mixed with liquid, it is often used as a fat replacer, texture modifier, and sugar substitute in low-calorie foods.