In the diet, the nondigestible parts of plants that form the support structures of leaves, stems, and seeds are known as a. dietary fiber b. starches c. total fiber d. functional fiber

Dietary fiber. (Ans. A)

Explanation:

Dietary fiber is the part of plant derived which cannot be completely broken down by human digestive enzymes. It contains two main components:

1) Soluble fiber: These fibers can dissolve in water, and in body it forms gel like substances.

2) Insoluble fiber: These fibers cannot dissolve in water, and retain its shape in the body.

Dietary fiber composed of non starch polysaccharide, and other components of plants such as cellulose, chitins, oligosaccharides, lignins, insulin, and beta-glucans.