carbohydrates

chemical elements

Carbon

Hydrogen

Oxygen

(sulfur for proteins)

(Phosphate for nucleic acids)

monomer

small units such as monosaccharides, nucleotides

polymers

monomers joined together (can be similar/not identical)

glucose structure

• alpha= H is on the top.

• Beta= H is on the bottom.

disaccharides

synthesis: condensation reactions 1’4 glycosidic bonds and H20 removed.

• example: scurose = glucose + fructose.

• lactose= glucose + galactose

• maltose = 2 alpha glucose

starch

plant storage:

made of amylose and amylopectin.

• Amylose: unbranched chain joined by 1’4 glycosidic bonds coiled and compact.

• Amylopectin: (polymer) branched 1’4,6 glycosidic bonds. Side branches it is rapidly digested by enzymes.

Glycogen

store in animals.

Formed by many alpha glucose molecules 1’4,6 glycosidic bonds. many side branches meaning energy can be released quickly.

Cellulose

Cell walls in plants. Long straight beta glucose chains. Microfibrils joined by hydrogen bonds provide structural support.

• 1’4 glycosidic bonds.

• can be digested by microorganisms

How do starch glucose and glycogen properties relate to their function?

• Starch/glycogen: Insoluble/compact. allows quick release of stored energy.

• Glucose: soluble. Small. Respiratory substrate.