What is classified as a non-digestible plant polysaccharide?

The correct answer is fiber, which is classified as a non-digestible plant polysaccharide. Fiber is an essential component of a balanced diet and primarily consists of complex carbohydrates that the human body cannot break down. This characteristic allows fiber to pass through the digestive system largely intact, contributing to various health benefits such as promoting regular bowel movements, aiding in weight management, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.

Cellulose, while also a form of fiber and a non-digestible polysaccharide derived from plant cell walls, is not the only form of fiber. Fiber encompasses a broader category that includes various types of non-digestible carbohydrates, such as soluble and insoluble fibers, which serve different physiological functions. Therefore, selecting fiber captures this broader inclusion.

On the other hand, glucose and sucrose are digestible forms of carbohydrates. Glucose is a simple sugar and a primary energy source for the body, while sucrose, commonly known as table sugar, is made up of glucose and fructose, both of which can be easily digested and absorbed. Hence, they do not fit the definition of non-digestible polysaccharides.