CARBOHYDRATES

COMPOSITION OF CARBOHYDRATES

Definition

Carbohydrates = “Hydrates of Carbon”

General formula: (CH₂O)ₙ

Made of C, H, O → Hydrogen twice as many as oxygen.

Energy: 1g = 3.75 kcal (15.8 kJ)

Main Function: Body’s primary energy source, especially for brain & nerves.

CLASSIFICATION OF CARBOHYDRATES

1. Monosaccharides (Simple sugars)

Formula: C₆H₁₂O₆

Basic unit of all carbs.

Examples:

Glucose – blood sugar

Fructose – fruit sugar

Galactose – brain sugar

Properties:

Show isomerism (same formula, different arrangement)

Divided into Aldose (aldehyde group) and Ketose (ketone group)

Trioses (3C), Tetroses (4C), Pentoses (5C), Hexoses (6C)