Question:

Inulin is a polymer of

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Inulin is not digested by human digestive enzymes, making it a valuable dietary fiber (prebiotic). In clinical medicine, it is used to measure the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) because it is filtered but not reabsorbed or secreted by nephrons.
  • Glucose
  • Galactose
  • Mannose
  • Fructose
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Inulin is a soluble storage polysaccharide (fructan) synthesized by many plant species (such as chicory, dahlia, and Jerusalem artichoke) instead of starch.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Inulin is a heterogeneous collection of fructose polymers.
1. It consists of chains of fructose units linked together by \(\beta\)-(2\(\rightarrow\)1) d-fructofuranosyl glycosidic bonds.
2. A single terminal \(\alpha\)-d-glucopyranosyl unit (glucose) is typically found at the starting end of each chain.
Because it consists predominantly of fructose units, inulin is classified biochemically as a polymer of fructose (fructan).

Step 3: Final Answer:

The correct option is 4, which corresponds to Fructose.
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