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🔬 Biology  ·  Biomolecules  ·  NEET

What is the difference between alpha-glucose and beta-glucose?

Answer: Position of -OH group at C1.

  • A Number of carbon atoms
  • B Position of -OH group at C1
  • C Number of oxygen atoms
  • D Type of glycosidic bond only

Correct answer: B. Position of -OH group at C1

Explanation: Alpha-glucose has the -OH group at C1 pointing downward; beta-glucose has it pointing upward. This affects their polymerization: alpha forms starch, beta forms cellulose.

Enzyme Kinetics: Rate vs Substrate Concentration[Substrate]Reaction rateVmaxKm½VmaxCurve flattens at high [S]: ALL enzyme active sites are occupied (saturation)

As substrate concentration rises, reaction rate increases steeply at first, then plateaus at Vmax once every enzyme molecule is working at full capacity; Km is the substrate concentration giving half-maximal rate, and a LOWER Km means the enzyme reaches that rate with less substrate (higher affinity).

Concept context

Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and enzyme kinetics. Essential foundation for understanding metabolism.

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