Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 17: Problem 19

Foods rich in fiber are basically plant materials high in cellulose, a cell wall polysaccharide that we cannot digest. The nutritional benefits provided by such foods result from a. other nutrients present that can be digested and absorbed. b. macromolecules (like cellulose) that are absorbed without digestion and then catabolized inside the cells. c. microbes that are the normal symbionts of plant tissues. d. All of the above.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The correct answer is option A. The nutritional benefits of foods rich in fiber come from the other nutrients present in the food that can be digested and absorbed, as fiber itself, such as cellulose, remains undigested.

Step by step solution

01

Consider Option A

Option a proposed that the nutritional benefits might be due to other nutrients present that can be digested and absorbed. This is true, foods high in fiber often possess other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals which can be readily digested and absorbed to provide nutritional value.
02

Consider Option B

Option b proposed that macromolecules like cellulose are absorbed without digestion and then catabolized inside the cells. This statement is not correct because humans lack the necessary enzymes to break down cellulose. Thus, cellulose does not get absorbed in the intestines. Instead, it passes through the digestive system and aids in bowel regulation.
03

Consider Option C

Option c suggested that the nutritional benefits might be from microbes that are normal symbionts of plant tissues. Although some microbes contribute to our health and can break down some complex polysaccharides we cannot, it is doubtful that these microbes accompany the plant materials into our food. Most of them would be killed during cooking and our body's natural defenses.
04

Evaluate 'all the above' Option D

Options b and c, as evaluated earlier, do not provide correct explanation for the nutritional benefits of foods rich in fiber. Therefore, option d which states 'all of the above' is incorrect.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Compare and contrast mass spectrometry and NMR in terms of their potential advantages and disadvantages for metabolomic analysis.

(Integrates with Chapter \(15 .\) ) Metabolic regulation is achieved via regulating enzyme activity in three prominent ways: allosteric regulation, covalent modification, and enzyme synthesis and degradation. Which of these three modes of regulation is likely to be the quickest; which the slowest? For each of these general enzyme regulatory mechanisms, cite conditions in which cells might employ that mode in preference to either of the other two.

Name and discuss four challenges associated with metabolomic measurements in biological systems.

Define the following terms: a. Genome b. Transcriptome c. Proteome A. Metabolome

What chemical functionality is provided to enzyme reactions by pyridoxal phosphate (see Chapter 13 )? By coenzyme A (see Chapter 19)? By vitamin \(\mathrm{B}_{12}\) (see Chapter 23 )? By thiamine pyrophosphate (see Chapter \(19) ?\)
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free