Disaccharides in A Level Biology

These flashcards cover the key concepts, definitions, and processes related to disaccharides as discussed in the A Level Biology lecture.

What are disaccharides composed of?

Two monosaccharides bonded together.

What is the bond called that joins two monosaccharides in a disaccharide?

Glycosidic bond.

What type of reaction results in the formation of a disaccharide from monosaccharides?

Condensation reaction.

What are the three disaccharides you need to know?

Maltose, lactose, sucrose.

What is maltose made of?

Glucose plus glucose.

What is lactose made of?

Glucose plus galactose.

What is sucrose made of?

Glucose plus fructose.

What is released during the formation of a disaccharide?

A molecule of water.

What is a monomer?

A smaller unit that can create larger molecules.

What is a polymer?

A larger molecule made up of many monomers bonded together.

What does 'di-' in disaccharide signify?

It means two.

What is the reverse of a condensation reaction?

Hydrolysis.

What does hydrolysis mean in a biological context?

The splitting apart of molecules through the addition of water.

How does hydrolysis affect disaccharides?

It splits disaccharides back into monosaccharides.

What catalyzes hydrolysis reactions in the body?

Enzymes.

What is hydrolysis of glycogen called?

Glycogenolysis.

What do enzymes do in the context of biological reactions?

They act as biological catalysts.

What are the two monosaccharides involved in forming maltose?

Two glucose molecules.

How can you recognize lactose?

It contains galactose, which can be inferred from its name.

What specific configuration distinguishes beta glucose from alpha glucose?

The hydroxyl group on carbon one is on top in beta glucose.

How are carbon atoms numbered in carbohydrates?

Starting from the end nearest to the functional group.

What is the function of water in condensation reactions?

It is removed to bond two monosaccharides together.

What is the general formula for disaccharides?

C12H22O11.

Why are disaccharides important in biology?

They serve as key energy sources and structural components.

Can disaccharides be directly absorbed by cells?

No, they must be hydrolyzed into monosaccharides first.

What is the significance of glycosidic bonds in carbohydrate structure?

They determine the structure and solubility of carbohydrates.

What happens to blood sugar levels when glycogen is hydrolyzed?

Blood sugar levels rise as glucose is released.

Name a common source of sucrose.

Table sugar.

How is the formation of disaccharides relevant to digestion?

Disaccharides must be hydrolyzed into monosaccharides to be absorbed.

What is the difference between a monosaccharide and a disaccharide?

A monosaccharide is single sugar unit; a disaccharide consists of two such units.

Which type of reaction is essential for forming complex carbohydrates from simple sugars?

Condensation reaction.

How are disaccharides relevant to energy storage?

They can be quickly broken down into monosaccharides for energy.

What role do enzymes play during digestion?

They catalyze the hydrolysis of carbohydrates.

What is the structural formula of maltose?

C12H22O11.

Provide an example of a food rich in sucrose.

Sugar cane or sugar beets.

Explain why condensation reactions are vital in biological molecules.

They create larger, more complex molecules needed for life processes.

What do we mean when we say hydrolysis is a reversible reaction?

It can break down polymers back into monomers or vice versa.

Identify a function of starch related to disaccharides.

Starch is a polysaccharide made from disaccharides and provides energy storage.

What is unique about lactose compared to other disaccharides?

Lactose is composed of one glucose and one galactose.

What is the significance of the glycosidic bond's location?

It determines the properties and functions of the resulting disaccharide.