Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 169: Answer and Explanation

Question: 169

The primary problem with deriving major amounts of dietary sugar directly from fructose rather than from starch lies in the fact that the degradation of fructose-which, upon entry into the cell, is split immediately into dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehyde-completely bypasses the first four steps of glycolysis, including the most critical regulatory reaction in the entire process. Thus, how our bodies handle the usage of fructose is utterly dissociated from the hormonal controls of insulin and glucagon, which, over time, invariably predisposes one to obesity, diabetes mellitus, and a host of other dangerous metabolic disorders. The long-term consumption of fructose will lead to ________

Which choice most logically completes the text?

• A. an increasingly well-regulated hormonal balance.
• B. a significant increase in neurotoxins in the blood supply.
• C. a greater likelihood of developing health ailments.
• D. no significant changes to bodily processes.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) According to the author, consuming your sugars from fructose eventually causes obesity and other health issues. Thus, (C) is correct because it is the only choice that considers the long-term effects of fructose according to the text.