Carbohydrates are divided into simple carbohydrates such as?

DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Carbohydrates are classified based on the number of sugar units they contain.
Simple carbohydrates are sugars that contain one (monosaccharide) or two (disaccharide) sugar units.
They are easily digested and provide a quick source of energy.
Examples of monosaccharides include glucose and fructose.
Examples of disaccharides include sucrose (table sugar) and lactose (milk sugar).

Option A: Oligosaccharides (containing 2-10 sugar units) and polysaccharides (containing more than 10 sugar units) are classified as complex carbohydrates, not simple carbohydrates.
Option C: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts. They are not a classification of carbohydrates.
Option D: Proteins are a separate class of macronutrients distinct from carbohydrates. While fiber is a type of carbohydrate, it is a complex carbohydrate (polysaccharide), not a simple one.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of Carbohydrates as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates is crucial for patient education, especially for individuals with diabetes mellitus. Simple carbs can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, while complex carbs lead to a slower, more controlled release of glucose.
Nurses advise patients on dietary choices based on this classification. For instance, a diet rich in complex carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables) is recommended for sustained energy and better glycemic control.
What if? If a patient is experiencing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), a nurse would administer a simple carbohydrate like fruit juice or a glucose tablet for a rapid increase in blood glucose, rather than a complex carbohydrate like a slice of whole-wheat bread, which would act too slowly.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the classification of carbohydrates.
Recall the major categories of carbohydrates. They are broadly divided into simple and complex carbohydrates.
Think about the sub-categories within each main group. Simple carbohydrates are further divided based on the number of sugar units.
Evaluate the options provided. Monosaccharides (one sugar) and disaccharides (two sugars) fit the definition of simple carbohydrates.
Eliminate the other options by identifying them as either complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides) or entirely different types of biomolecules (amino acids, proteins).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qpw6RO9FY5xLVGNgxE-UvS

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 1 (pp 26-420 of 840) p. 2

E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 62-64

E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 1 (pp 26-370 of 370) p. 81-83