Question

Which of the following is due to deficiency of carbohydrates?
(a)Marasmus
(b)Beriberi
(c) Scurvy
(d) Kwashiorkor

Answer 1

Hint The main function of carbohydrates is to provide enough energy for our bodies. Carbohydrates are the sugars, starches, and fibers found in fruits, grains, vegetables, milk products, etc.

Complete answer:
Marasmus is severe malnutrition. It is caused mainly due to the deficiency of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the major source of cellular energy and the important structural components of cell-wall. They serve as energy reservoirs and also as structural components. Common symptoms of marasmus include; a shrunken, wasted appearance, loss of muscle mass and subcutaneous fat mass, unusual body temperature, anemia, dehydration, cold extremities, dry skin, and brittle hair, etc. It can also make children short-tempered and irritable. Carbohydrates have energetic, supportive, protective, colligative, hydrostatic, and non-regulating functions. Some may even serve as cofactors in enzyme reactions. The energetic function is exercised by glucose and polysaccharides, such as starch and glycogen. Reserve products are liable to fast cleavage to form glucose units, which serve as an intermediate source of energy.

Additional information:
-Carbohydrates are the most abundant organic compounds in nature. They are polyhydroxy carbonyl compounds or substances which yield these compounds on hydrolysis.
-Supportive function is taken up by structural polysaccharides, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectic compounds in plants, and by chondroitin sulfate in bone tissue.
-Colligative or structural function is exercised by some acidic heteropolysaccharides. They serve as extracellular structural materials and also as a biological cement.

So, the correct answer is ' Marasmus'.

Note:
-Acidic heteropolysaccharides, such as heparin and heparan sulfate, may serve as enzyme cofactors. They bind with enzymatic proteins and form active complexes.
-When our body has enough glucose to fulfill its current needs, the excess glucose is stored for later use. This stored form of glucose is called glycogen. It is primarily found in the liver and muscle.
-Most of the carbohydrates in the foods are digested and broken down into glucose before entering the bloodstream. If we are consuming a diet with a mix of several nutrients, most of our body’s cells will prefer to use carbs as their primary energy source.