Question

Which is a homopolysaccharide?

• A. Pectin
• B. Heparin
• C. Hyaluronic acid
• D. Inulin

Answer 1

The correct option is D Inulin

Inulin is a homopolysaccharide of fructose monomers. It is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in many plants such as wheat, banana, onions and asparagus. It is not digested or absorbed in the stomach but it goes in the bowel and is used by useful bacteria for improving the bowel movement and general health.

Pectin is a heteropolysaccharide composed of sugar arabinose and galactose, the sugar acid galacturonic acid and methanol. It forms long branching or straight molecules. It is soluble in water and is used as a jellying agent. It occurs in the cell wall and middle lamella.

Heparin belongs to a category of mucopolysaccharides which are polymers of modified sugar molecules. It is an anticoagulant formed in the liver and mast cells. It is found in blood and connective tissues.

Hyaluronic acid is also a mucopolysaccharide found in the matrix of connective tissues and in the various lubricating tissues of body such as synovial fluid of joints, cerebrospinal fluid of brain and spinal cord, vitreous humour of eye.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.