Carbohydrates Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key topics related to carbohydrates, including definitions, types, chemical reactions, and their biological importance.

What are the three main types of carbohydrates?

Monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides.

What is the process by which carbohydrates are produced in plants?

Photosynthesis.

Define monosaccharides.

The simplest carbohydrates; consist of one sugar unit.

What are reducing sugars?

Sugars that can donate electrons or reduce another molecule.

How are disaccharides formed?

By the combination of two monosaccharides through a dehydration reaction.

What are the two forms of starch?

Amylose and amylopectin.

What is the glycosidic bond in lactose?

β-(1 4)-glycosidic bond.

Describe the structure of cellulose.

A polysaccharide of glucose units in unbranched chains with β-(1 4)-glycosidic bonds.

What type of sugars are D-glucose, D-galactose, and D-fructose?

Hexoses with the molecular formula C6H12O6.

How can glucose levels be monitored in diabetes patients?

By teaching patients to monitor their medication and blood sugar levels.

What type of bond links the monosaccharides in maltose?

α-(1 4)-glycosidic bond.

What are chiral compounds?

Molecules that have non-superimposable mirror images.

How is the D or L designation determined in a Fischer projection?

By the position of the —OH group on the chiral carbon farthest from the carbonyl group.

What are sugar alcohols and their use?

Products of the reduction of monosaccharides, used as sweeteners in sugar-free products.

How does fructose convert to glucose in a basic solution?

Through a rearrangement reaction that allows it to be oxidized.

What is the major dietary role of carbohydrates in humans?

They serve as a major source of energy.