Carbohydrates in Biological Science

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to carbohydrates from the lecture notes, aiding in the review and understanding of their roles in biological systems.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars that serve as the building blocks of carbohydrates.

Polysaccharides

Large polymers formed from many monosaccharides; examples include starch and cellulose.

Energy storage

One of the primary roles of carbohydrates, providing energy for cellular functions.

Aldose

A type of monosaccharide with a carbonyl group at the end of the carbon chain.

Ketose

A type of monosaccharide with a carbonyl group located internally within the carbon chain.

Glycosidic linkage

A type of bond that links monosaccharides together to form disaccharides and polysaccharides.

Cellulose

A structural polysaccharide that provides support in the cell walls of plants.

Chitin

A structural polysaccharide used for support in the cell walls of fungi and in the exoskeletons of arthropods.

Glycoproteins

Proteins that have carbohydrates attached and play a key role in cell recognition.

Glycolipids

Lipids that have carbohydrates attached and are important for cell signaling.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy stored in carbohydrates.

Respiration

The process by which cells convert carbohydrates into usable energy in the form of ATP.

Dietary fiber

Indigestible carbohydrates that are important for digestive health.

Isomers

Compounds with the same formula but different structural arrangements.

Carbonyl group

A functional group consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom, key in classifying monosaccharides.

Hydroxyl group

A functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, present in sugars.