Biological Functions and Structures of Carbohydrates: Monosaccharides to Polysaccharides

What are monosaccharides and their biological functions?

Simple sugars like glucose; they serve as a quick energy source and are the basic building blocks of carbohydrates.

What defines disaccharides and their biological functions?

Two monosaccharides joined (e.g., sucrose, lactose); they are involved in energy transport or storage.

What are oligosaccharides and their biological functions?

Short chains of 3-30 monosaccharides; they are used in cell recognition and signaling.

What are polysaccharides and their biological functions?

Long chains of monosaccharides; they are used for energy storage (starch, glycogen) and structural support (cellulose, chitin).

How do oligosaccharides relate to cancer diagnosis?

Abnormal patterns of oligosaccharides on the human cell surface can be cancer markers.

How does defective cellulose affect plant cell walls?

Yes, it would affect the structure as cellulose provides strength and structure to the cell wall.

How does abnormal chitin affect crab exoskeletons?

Yes, it would affect the structure since chitin provides structural support in arthropod exoskeletons.

How can animals that cannot produce cellulase digest cellulose?

They rely on symbiotic bacteria in their gut that produce cellulase.

What is the primary plant storage polysaccharide that provides dietary calories?

Starch.

Which enzymes help digest starch in plant-based foods?

Amylase (found in saliva and pancreas).

How are glucose molecules distributed to cells in the body?

Through the bloodstream after digestion.

How are sucrose molecules distributed in plants?

Through the phloem tissue.

Which carbohydrates can cross cell membranes?

Monosaccharides (like glucose) and disaccharides (like lactose, with transporters).

What is the energy-rich disaccharide found in breast milk?

Lactose.

Why does mother's milk contain indigestible oligosaccharides?

They feed beneficial gut bacteria and help develop the infant's immune system.

Where is glycogen stored in the body?

In the liver and skeletal muscles.

What is the function of sweet sensory cells in taste buds?

To detect sugars and signal the brain to encourage eating.

Which carbohydrates cause the sweet flavor sensation?

Mainly monosaccharides (like glucose, fructose) and disaccharides (like sucrose).

Why is the sweet sensation beneficial?

It helps animals find energy-rich foods for survival.