Question

Which one of the following commercially important carbohydrates is naturally produced only by the members of the plant kingdom?

• A. Cellulose
• B. Pectin
• C. Chitin
• D. Starch

Hint:

Pectin is unique to plants and is mainly found in fruits. It plays a significant role in the food industry as a natural gelling agent, unlike other carbohydrates such as starch and cellulose.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Pectin is a commercially important carbohydrate that is naturally produced only by members of the plant kingdom. It is found in the cell walls of plants, particularly in the fruits, and is widely used in the food industry as a gelling agent for jams and jellies. Hence, statement (B) is correct.
- (A): Cellulose is a carbohydrate that is present in both plants and some bacteria (like cyanobacteria) and fungi. Therefore, it is not produced exclusively by plants. Hence, statement (A) is incorrect.
- (C): Chitin is a polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and fungi, not in plants. Hence, statement (C) is incorrect.
- (D): Starch is produced by both plants and some algae, making it not exclusive to the plant kingdom. Hence, statement (D) is incorrect.
Thus, the correct answer is (B).