BCH 302: Chemistry of Carbohydrates

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary structural feature of cellulose that contributes to its strength?

Presence of glycoproteins

Beta configuration with linear chains (correct)

Hydroxyl groups on glucose units

Alpha configuration with branching points

Which of the following carbohydrates serves as a primary energy source in the body?

Glycogen (correct)

Starch

Cellulose

Chitin

What role do carbohydrates play in cell recognition and signaling?

Form glycoproteins and glycolipids (correct)

Act as ATP for energy production

Serve as a source of dietary fiber

Provide structural support in cell walls

Which of the following is a monosaccharide?

Glucose Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of glycogen enhances its accessibility for energy release?

Highly branched and open structure Signup and view all the answers

What type of carbohydrate is sucrose?

Disaccharide Signup and view all the answers

What bond type primarily links glucose units in starch?

α(1→4) glycosidic bonds Signup and view all the answers

Which carbohydrate is primarily involved in providing structural support in arthropods?

Chitin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following carbohydrates is primarily used for energy storage in animals?

Glycogen Signup and view all the answers

What did Joseph Louis Proust contribute to the understanding of carbohydrates?

He introduced the term 'carbohydrates' based on their composition. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in living organisms?

To act as the body's main source of energy. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes amylose from amylopectin?

Amylose is mostly linear and unbranched, while amylopectin is branched Signup and view all the answers

How do carbohydrates contribute to dietary fiber?

They consist mainly of cellulose and polysaccharides Signup and view all the answers

What ratio of elements is commonly found in carbohydrates based on their empirical formula?

2:1 for hydrogen to oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature distinguishes chitin from cellulose?

Acetylated amino group instead of a hydroxyl group Signup and view all the answers

Which structural polysaccharide is a major component of dietary fiber?

Cellulose Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of carbohydrates when broken down into glucose?

They produce ATP for cellular processes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'saccharine'?

A description of sweet-tasting substances. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of fiber, a complex carbohydrate, in the human diet?

Regulate bowel movements Signup and view all the answers

How did Robert Boyle contribute to the early understanding of carbohydrates?

He observed reactions involving carbohydrates which produced water. Signup and view all the answers

Which chemist is known for relating the empirical formula of carbohydrates to their composition?

Joseph Louis Proust Signup and view all the answers

Which carbohydrate is commonly known as blood sugar?

Glucose Signup and view all the answers

What class of biomolecules do carbohydrates belong to?

Biomolecules Signup and view all the answers

What was the observable characteristic of carbohydrates recognized in ancient times?

Their sweetness in fruits and honey. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential negative consequence of consuming too many simple carbohydrates?

Increased risk of type 2 diabetes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following carbohydrates is digested more slowly, leading to a sustained release of energy?

Complex carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

Which health risk is associated with diets low in fiber and high in refined sugars?

Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases Signup and view all the answers

What type of carbohydrate provides a rapid source of energy and includes sugars such as glucose?

Simple carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

Which type of carbohydrate is primarily utilized for energy storage in animals?

Glycogen Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT typically associated with dietary carbohydrates?

Regulating cholesterol levels Signup and view all the answers

In which foods would you primarily find starch?

Potatoes and rice Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a category of carbohydrates?

Hexosaccharides Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Overview

Course Title: BCH 302 - Chemistry and Metabolism of Carbohydrates
Lecturers: Dr. Palmah Nyadar, Dr. Jamila Omale, Mrs. Funmi Audu, Mr. Yunusa Imam
Session: 2023/2024, 2 Units, 30 Lecture Hours
Focus Areas: Chemistry and function of polysaccharides, isolation and purification, Calvin pathway, disorders of carbohydrate metabolism.

Historical Perspective on Carbohydrates

Early recognition of sweet substances like fruits and honey, primarily glucose and fructose.
Late 1600s: Robert Boyle observed burning plant materials produced water and carbon dioxide; molecular structures were not yet understood.
Early 1800s: Joseph Louis Proust introduced the term "carbohydrates," identifying them as compounds mainly composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (C, H, O).
1820s: Jean-Baptiste Dumas and Justus von Liebig formalized the understanding of carbohydrates through studying various sugars and starches.

Types of Carbohydrates

Monosaccharides: Single sugar molecules acting as building blocks.
- Examples:
  - Glucose: Primary energy source (blood sugar).
  - Fructose: Found in fruits and honey, very sweet.
  - Galactose: Present in dairy, links to glucose to form lactose.
Disaccharides: Composed of two monosaccharide molecules linked by glycosidic bonds.
- Examples:
  - Sucrose: Table sugar made of glucose and fructose.
  - Lactose: Sugar in milk made of glucose and galactose.
  - Maltose: Found in germinating seeds, composed of two glucose molecules.
Polysaccharides: Complex carbohydrates with many monosaccharide units.
- Examples:
  - Starch: Storage form in plants composed of glucose.
  - Glycogen: Storage form in animals, primarily in liver and muscles.
  - Cellulose: Structural component of plant cell walls.
  - Chitin: Found in arthropods' exoskeletons and fungi cell walls.

Structural Details

Starch: Linked primarily by α(1→4) glycosidic bonds, with α(1→6) bonds for branching. Exists as:
- Amylose: Mostly linear structure.
- Amylopectin: Branched structure.
Glycogen: Highly branched, removable glucose units stored for energy.
Cellulose: Linear polymer linked by β(1→4) glycosidic bonds, providing rigidity and structural support.
Chitin: Similar structure to cellulose but composed of N-acetylglucosamine.

Functions of Carbohydrates

Energy Source: Broken down into glucose for ATP production via cellular respiration.
Energy Storage: Stored as glycogen in animals and starch in plants for use when energy is needed.
Structural Role: Structural support in plants (cellulose) and arthropods (chitin).
Cell Recognition and Signaling: Carbohydrates on cell surfaces in glycoproteins and glycolipids assist in cellular communication.
Dietary Fiber: Non-digestible carbohydrates that promote digestive health and may reduce certain disease risks.

Dietary Carbohydrates

Two categories:
- Simple Carbohydrates: Quickly digested, include monosaccharides and disaccharides; excessive consumption leads to health issues such as obesity and diabetes.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Longer digestion time, provide sustained energy release; beneficial for health through whole foods like grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Health Implications

Diets high in refined sugars and low in fiber increase chronic disease risks, while those rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber promote better health outcomes.

Assignments and Topics for Discussion

Definitions and structures of polysaccharides.
Roles of polysaccharides in living organisms and various industries (food, pharmaceuticals, biomedical).
Comparison of energy utilization between glycogen and cellulose.

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Description

This quiz covers the chemistry and metabolism of carbohydrates, focusing on polysaccharides, their isolation and purification, and the Calvin pathway. Additionally, it addresses disorders related to carbohydrate metabolism. Prepare to deepen your understanding of biochemistry in this essential field!