Chapter 23, Problem 1TC

Rank the following molecules in order of increasing sweetness: glucose, cellulose, starch.

To determine

The order of increasing sweetness in the molecules: glucose, cellulose, starch.

Answer to Problem 1TC

The order of increasing sweetness is $\text{Cellulose}<\text{Starch}<\text{Glucose}$

Explanation of Solution

Glucose is basically a monosaccharide and it is the simplest form that represents a carbohydrate. Glucose is considered as sugar. It is a simple sugar and instant energy source. Thus, glucose is sweet in taste.

The cellulose as well as starch are considered as polysaccharides. The polysaccharides are basically non-sugars and possess no taste.

Starch gets digested by involved digestive enzymes in the form of simpler components whereas cellulose cannot get digested into human body. Hence, the starch tastes sweet compared to cellulose.

Thus, the order of increasing sweetness is $\text{Cellulose}<\text{Starch}<\text{Glucose}$.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the order of increasing sweetness is $\text{Cellulose}<\text{Starch}<\text{Glucose}$ .