Carbohydrate Study Guide

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organic chemistry

organic chemistry

the chemistry of carbon compounds

carbon compound shapes

• straight chains

• branched chains

• rings

macromolecules

large molecules made up of monomers

monomers

repeating units that make up macromolecules

covalent bonds

strong connection points between monomers (where energy is stored)

polymers

joined monomers (see macromolecules)

metabolism

the chemical processes that occur in cells to maintain life

anabolic

uses energy to build molecules

catabolic

releases energy by breaking down molecules

dehydration synthesis

the process by which polymers are created

How does dehydration synthesis work?

one monomer forms a covalent bond with another monomer, releasing H2O in the process

hydrolysis

the process by which polymers are broken down

How does hydrolysis work?

covalent bonds are broken by the addition of a water molecule

carbohydrates

macromolecules that are the body’s main source of energy

monosaccharides

the building blocks of carbohydrates; a monomer and type of carb

What’s the ratio for carbohydrates?

1:2:1 ratio of carbon:hydrogen:oxygen (can be 1-2 atoms off)

What’s the shape of a carb?

ring

simple carbs

sugars made of 1-2 monomers; rapidly digested and a quick source of energy

disaccharide

sugar made of two monosaccharides

isomer

when two compounds have the same molecular formula but a different structure

blood sugar

glucose (monosaccharide)

insulin

main regulator of blood sugar in the body

homeostasis

balance

What happens when glucose levels increase? When they decrease?

As glucose levels increase, insulin is released, and vice versa.

diabetes

difficulty with glucose homeostasis

type 1 diabetes

failure to produce insulin; caused by an autoimmune reaction and/or born with

type 2 diabetes

cells fail to respond to insulin properly or not producing enough insulin; caused by excessive weight or inactivity

complex carbs

sugar molecules of at least 3 monosaccharides; broken down more slowly and a more sustainable form of energy

polysaccharide

type of complex carb with multiple sugars

iodine

tests for polysaccharides; color changes from rust to deep blue/black if positive

benedicts

tests for monosaccharides; color changes from blue to green, yellow, orange, or red (tells us how many); needs heat

control group

not exposed to any experimental variables

experimental group

exposed to the variables being tested

positive control group

group expected to produce reaction

negative control group

group expected to not have reaction

constants

variables that stay the same for both control and experimental group