Structure of Biological Macromolecules - Carbohydrates

These flashcards cover the key concepts regarding carbohydrates, including definitions, structures, and functions.

What are the main categories of carbohydrates?

Monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

What is a monosaccharide?

A carbohydrate that cannot be hydrolyzed to a simpler carbohydrate and has the general formula Cn(H2O)n, where n ranges from 3 to 8.

What is the difference between an aldose and a ketose?

An aldose contains an aldehyde group, while a ketose contains a ketone group.

What is the Fischer projection used for?

To represent sugars and amino acids, showing the configuration at the penultimate carbon.

Define mutarotation in carbohydrates.

The change in specific rotation that accompanies the interconversion of α- or β-anomers in aqueous solution.

What is a glycosidic bond?

A bond formed between the hydroxyl group of one carbohydrate and the anomeric carbon of another during glycoside formation.

How are polysaccharides characterized structurally?

They consist of long chains of monosaccharide units connected by glycosidic bonds.

What is the primary structural difference between starch and cellulose?

Starch contains α-1,4 links, while cellulose consists of β-1,4 links.

What type of linkage is found in maltose?

An α-1,4 glycosidic bond.

What is the role of glycogen in animals?

Glycogen stores energy in the liver and muscles.