Mucopolysaccharides are water-binding complexes composed of carbohydrates and which other type of molecule?

Mucopolysaccharides are water-binding complexes composed of carbohydrates and which other type of molecule?

• A. Lipids
• B. Proteins
• C. Nucleic acids
• D. Vitamins

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is that mucopolysaccharides are water-attracting carbohydrate chains that form a complex with proteins. These molecules are glycosaminoglycans—long chains of repeating disaccharides that are highly sulfated and carry negative charges. In tissues, these carbohydrate chains are typically covalently attached to a protein core, creating proteoglycans. That protein component is essential because it provides the scaffold to which the sugar chains are linked, yielding a hydrated, gel-like matrix in the extracellular space. The combination of carbohydrate chains with the protein core explains their water-binding properties and structural role in cartilage, connective tissue, and synovial fluid. Lipids, nucleic acids, and vitamins don’t form the typical mucopolysaccharide complexes, so the partner molecule is proteins.

The concept being tested is that mucopolysaccharides are water-attracting carbohydrate chains that form a complex with proteins. These molecules are glycosaminoglycans—long chains of repeating disaccharides that are highly sulfated and carry negative charges. In tissues, these carbohydrate chains are typically covalently attached to a protein core, creating proteoglycans. That protein component is essential because it provides the scaffold to which the sugar chains are linked, yielding a hydrated, gel-like matrix in the extracellular space. The combination of carbohydrate chains with the protein core explains their water-binding properties and structural role in cartilage, connective tissue, and synovial fluid. Lipids, nucleic acids, and vitamins don’t form the typical mucopolysaccharide complexes, so the partner molecule is proteins.