Case study 5

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, often serving as a major source of energy in the diet.

Monosaccharides

The simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules, e.g., glucose, fructose.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates composed of two monosaccharides linked together, such as sucrose and lactose.

Polysaccharides

Carbohydrates that are composed of long chains of monosaccharide units, e.g., starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Glycosidic Linkage

A covalent bond that joins a carbohydrate (sugar) molecule to another group, which may also be a carbohydrate.

Lactase

An enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of lactose into glucose and galactose.

Lactose Intolerance

A condition where individuals are unable to digest lactose due to low levels of lactase, causing gastrointestinal symptoms.

Glycoprotein

A molecule consisting of a carbohydrate attached to a protein, which plays important roles in cell recognition.

Catabolism

Metabolic pathways that break down molecules into smaller units, producing energy.

Anabolism

Metabolic pathways that construct larger molecules from smaller units, requiring energy.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A high-energy molecule used as the primary energy carrier in cells.

ATP Hydrolysis

The process of breaking down ATP into ADP and inorganic phosphate, releasing energy.

Energy Charge

A measure of the energy status of a cell, reflecting the ratio of ATP to ADP and AMP.

Oxidation-Reduction Reactions (Redox)

Chemical reactions that involve the transfer of electrons between two species, altering their oxidation states.

Hydrogen Breath Test

A diagnostic test used to determine lactose intolerance by measuring hydrogen levels in breath after lactose ingestion.

Secondary Active Transport

The process by which glucose and galactose enter intestinal epithelial cells, utilizing the sodium gradient.