Question

(01.02 mc)
sucrose and lactose are disaccharides that have the same chemical formula, $c_{12}h_{22}o_{11}$. however, these sugars have different characteristics and behave differently in chemical reactions. which of the following generalizations can explain this?

• disaccharides are used for different cellular processes, and they only take part in reactions in which they are needed.
• disaccharides are different in structure because they are not made up of the same monosaccharides, and this gives them different properties.
• disaccharides are made from the same monosaccharides, but the monosaccharides are differently arranged, resulting in different properties.
• disaccharides have different properties, but the polysaccharides they form when combined with other molecules will have the same properties.

Explanation:

Sucrose is formed from glucose and fructose, while lactose is formed from glucose and galactose. Their distinct monosaccharide components create different structures, which directly cause their different chemical behaviors and characteristics. The correct option aligns with this core biological/chemical principle of structure determining properties for disaccharides.

Answer:

B. Disaccharides are different in structure because they are not made up of the same monosaccharides, and this gives them different properties.