What type of sugars cannot be hydrolyzed to yield simpler sugars?

Prepare for the IB Diploma Biology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam!

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates and cannot be hydrolyzed into smaller sugar units because they are already the most basic building blocks of carbohydrates. Each monosaccharide consists of a single sugar molecule, such as glucose or fructose, which cannot be broken down any further into simpler sugars through hydrolysis.

In contrast, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides are composed of two or more monosaccharides linked together. These larger sugars can undergo hydrolysis, which is a chemical process that breaks down these glycosidic bonds to yield monosaccharides. Therefore, monosaccharides' inability to be hydrolyzed makes them unique among the choices provided.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy