Organic Chemistry & Biomolecules: Carbohydrates, Carbon Bonds, and Structural Diversity

What defines organic chemistry?

The study of hydrocarbon compounds, primarily characterized by carbon-hydrogen bonds.

What are the significant classes of biomolecules?

Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

What is a unique trait of carbon?

Carbon can form four covalent bonds, allowing it to create chains, rings, and double or triple bonds.

What is the general empirical formula for carbohydrates?

C_nH_(2n)O_n, where n is generally between 3 and 6.

What is the primary source of energy provided by carbohydrates?

Sugars provide quick energy, while starch serves as intermediate-term energy.

How do autotrophs and heterotrophs obtain carbohydrates?

Autotrophs synthesize their own carbohydrates, while heterotrophs obtain them by consuming plants.

What is a monomer?

A single unit or building block that can join together to form polymers.

What are carbohydrate monomers called?

Monosaccharides, or simple sugars.

Name an important carbohydrate monomer and its function.

Glucose: the main energy source for cells.

What is formed when two glucose molecules bond?

Maltose, a disaccharide.

What is lactose and how is it formed?

A disaccharide formed by the dehydration synthesis of glucose and galactose.

What is starch?

The primary storage form of carbohydrates in plant cells, created from sugars produced by photosynthesis.

What is glycogen?

An energy storage form in animal and fungal cells.

What is cellulose?

A structural carbohydrate that forms the walls of plant cells.

What are the roles of ribose and deoxyribose in biology?

Ribose is part of RNA, while deoxyribose is part of DNA.

What is fructose and where is it commonly found?

A simple sugar found in fruits.

What is galactose used for in cell metabolism?

It is utilized in various metabolic processes within cells.

What is dehydration synthesis?

A reaction that joins two monosaccharides to form a disaccharide by removing a water molecule.

What is the difference between monosaccharides and polysaccharides?

Monosaccharides are single sugar units, while polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharides.

What is the significance of carbon's ability to bond with itself?

It allows for the formation of a vast array of organic compounds with diverse structures and functions.