Chapter 4 (Chemical Composition in a cell)

What are carbohydrates?

Organic compounds that contain carbon element (CH2O)n and source of energy

Types of carbs

Monosaccharides (simple/single) unit

Disaccharides (double unit)

Polysaccharides (long chain)

What are monosaccharides?

Carbohydrate monomers(building blocks) which are the simplest carbohydrate unit.

They are also reducing sugars

Examples of monosaccharides

Glucose(plant and fruits)

Fructose(honey and sweet fruits)

Galactose (dairy)

What are Disaccharides.

Two simple sugar are formed through condensation and removed through hydrolysis

Examples of disaccharides

Glucose + glucose = Maltose + water

Glucose = fructose = Sucrose = water

Glucose = galactose = Lactose = water

Characteristics of Disaccharides?

Soluble in water

sweet

all reducing sugars except sucrose

What are polysaccharides?

Complex sugar polymers.

Characteristics of polysaccharides?

Not soluble in water due to large size

Not sweet

doesnt crystalise

Importance of carbs

Source of energy

Food reserve

Support structure

Examples of polysaccharides

Cellulose(main structure)

Starch (plant carb storage)

Glycogen(human carb storage=liver)