Learning Outcomes
i. Define carbohydrates.
ii. Classify carbohydrates into monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
iii. Describe the structure and function of different types of carbohydrates.
i. What are carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a ratio of 1:2:1. They are the main source of energy for most organisms. Carbohydrates are classified into three main groups: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
ii. Monosaccharides: Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates. They are made up of a single sugar unit. Examples of monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose.
iii. Disaccharides: Disaccharides are formed when two monosaccharides are joined together by a glycosidic bond. Glycosidic bonds are formed when a water molecule is removed from two monosaccharides. Examples of disaccharides include sucrose (table sugar), lactose (milk sugar), and maltose (malt sugar).
iv. Polysaccharides: Polysaccharides are formed when many monosaccharides are joined together by glycosidic bonds. Polysaccharides are large molecules that can store energy or provide structural support for cells. Examples of polysaccharides include starch, glycogen, cellulose, and chitin.
Structure and function of different types of carbohydrates
Monosaccharides: Monosaccharides are the basic building blocks of carbohydrates. They are the simplest form of carbohydrates and can be used directly by cells for energy. Monosaccharides are also used to synthesize other types of carbohydrates, such as disaccharides and polysaccharides.
Disaccharides: Disaccharides are made up of two monosaccharides that are joined together by a glycosidic bond. Disaccharides must be broken down into monosaccharides before they can be used by cells for energy. Disaccharides are often found in foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
Polysaccharides: Polysaccharides are made up of many monosaccharides that are joined together by glycosidic bonds. Polysaccharides can be used to store energy or to provide structural support for cells. Starch is a polysaccharide that is used to store energy in plants. Glycogen is a polysaccharide that is used to store energy in animals. Cellulose is a polysaccharide that is used to provide structural support for plant cells. Chitin is a polysaccharide that is used to provide structural support for the exoskeletons of insects and other arthropods.
Real-world applications of carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are used in a variety of products and industries. For example, carbohydrates are used in food products, such as bread, pasta, and cereals. Carbohydrates are also used in biofuels, such as ethanol. Carbohydrates are also used in the production of paper, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
Carbohydrates are essential nutrients for most organisms. They are the main source of energy for most organisms and are also used to synthesize other important molecules, such as proteins and lipids. Carbohydrates are classified into three main groups: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates and are used directly by cells for energy. Disaccharides are made up of two monosaccharides and must be broken down into monosaccharides before they can be used by cells for energy. Polysaccharides are made up of many monosaccharides and can be used to store energy or to provide structural support for cells.
