Monosaccharides and Carbohydrates

These flashcards cover key concepts related to monosaccharides and carbohydrates from the lecture notes.

Carbohydrates

One of the four types of macromolecules that provide energy primarily through glucose.

Monosaccharides

The simplest form of carbohydrates, characterized by a backbone of 3-7 carbon atoms.

Glucose

A monosaccharide that is an essential source of energy for the body.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates composed of two monosaccharide units, such as sucrose and lactose.

Polysaccharides

Carbohydrates consisting of long chains of monosaccharides, such as starch and cellulose.

Alpha-glucose

A form of glucose with the -OH group on carbon #1 pointed downward.

Beta-glucose

A form of glucose with the -OH group on carbon #1 pointed upward.

Ribose

A monosaccharide with 5 carbons, vital for the structure of RNA.

Deoxyribose

A monosaccharide with 5 carbons, vital for the structure of DNA, lacks one oxygen atom.

Isomers

Molecules with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements.

Hydrophilic

Substances that are soluble in water, like monosaccharides due to their hydroxyl groups.

Sucrose

A disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose.

Fructose

A monosaccharide found in plants, sweeter than glucose.

Galactose

A monosaccharide that combines with glucose to form lactose.

Carbohydrate Formula

The general formula for carbohydrates is (CH2O)n.

Polar Hydroxyl Groups

Functional groups (-OH) that contribute to the solubility of monosaccharides in water.