What is the major monosaccharide found in the body?
A. Glucose
B. Fructose
C. Galactose
D. Sucrose
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is A. Glucose.
Glucose is the primary monosaccharide found in the human body and serves as a crucial energy source for cellular functions. As a six-carbon sugar (hexose) with the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₆, glucose is central to various metabolic processes.
Upon ingestion of carbohydrates, the digestive system breaks them down into simpler sugars, predominantly glucose. This glucose is then absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to the term “blood sugar.” Cells utilize glucose through cellular respiration, a process that converts glucose and oxygen into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell. This energy fuels numerous physiological activities, from muscle contraction to neural communication.
The body meticulously regulates blood glucose levels to ensure a steady energy supply. The pancreas plays a pivotal role in this regulation by secreting hormones such as insulin and glucagon. When blood glucose levels rise after a meal, insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells, either for immediate energy production or storage as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Conversely, during periods of fasting or increased energy demand, glucagon stimulates the conversion of stored glycogen back into glucose, releasing it into the bloodstream to maintain optimal levels.
While other monosaccharides like fructose and galactose are present in the diet, they are less prevalent in the bloodstream. Fructose, commonly found in fruits, and galactose, a component of lactose in dairy products, are typically converted into glucose by the liver before entering systemic circulation. This conversion underscores the body’s reliance on glucose as its primary energy source.
In summary, glucose’s central role in energy production and metabolic regulation establishes it as the major monosaccharide in the human body. Its efficient utilization and the body’s intricate mechanisms to maintain its balance highlight its importance in sustaining life and health.