Cow’s milk contains proteins, fats and carbohydrates - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 2
Cow’s milk contains proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The main carbohydrate in cow’s milk is lactose. The reaction for the breakdown of lactose is catalysed by the e... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Cow’s milk contains proteins, fats and carbohydrates - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Name the circled linkage.
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Answer
The circled linkage is known as a glycosidic link. This bond connects monosaccharide units within the lactose molecule.
Step 2
Explain what the GI of a food indicates.
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The glycemic index (GI) of a food indicates how quickly it raises blood glucose levels after consumption. It measures the relative increase in blood glucose compared to a reference food, usually glucose or white bread. Foods are rated on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating faster digestion and absorption.
Step 3
State why the breakdown of lactose, as shown above, contributes to the GI of lactose.
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The breakdown of lactose into glucose and galactose by the enzyme lactase contributes to the GI of lactose because these simpler sugars are absorbed more rapidly into the bloodstream, leading to a quicker increase in blood glucose levels.