Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What is the term for the indigestible form of carbohydrate that provides no energy?

1. Starch

2. Sugar

3. Cellulose

4. Fiber

The correct answer is: Fiber

The correct answer is fiber. Fiber refers to a type of carbohydrate that the human body cannot digest. While it is found in many plant-based foods, it does not provide energy in the form of calories, as it cannot be broken down into glucose. Instead, fiber plays a crucial role in digestive health; it helps to regulate the body's use of sugars, thus helping to keep hunger and blood sugar in check. This indigestible nature of fiber is what distinguishes it from other forms of carbohydrates like starch and sugar, which can be broken down and converted into energy. Cellulose, while it is a type of fiber, is often categorized separately when discussing dietary fiber in terms of its role in digestion and health benefits. Therefore, fiber encompasses a broader category that includes various types of indigestible carbohydrates, making it the appropriate term for this question.