AIIMS2019Botany-Biomolecules

AIIMS 2019 Botany Carbohydrates MCQ Question

Type: MCQ-fact-Easy-Class 12

Polysaccharides can be tested by

A

Iodine

B

HCl

C

KCl

D

KNO₃

Correct Answer

Option A

Detailed Explanation

Polysaccharides can be tested using iodine, which forms a blue-black complex with starch, a common polysaccharide, due to the helical structure of amylose. This reaction is specific to polysaccharides, making iodine a reliable indicator. In contrast, HCl (option B) is a strong acid that can hydrolyze polysaccharides but does not provide a specific test, while KCl (option C) and KNO₃ (option D) are salts that do not react with polysaccharides in a way that indicates their presence. Thus, iodine is the most suitable reagent for detecting polysaccharides.

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