Biochemistry First Term: Carbohydrates

Introduction to Biochemistry

• Biochemistry studies the chemical processes and substances in living organisms.
• Bioorganic molecules constitute the majority of biochemical substances, with carbohydrates being the most abundant.

Occurrence of Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates make up approximately 75% of the dry mass of plants.
• They are produced in plants through photosynthesis, which uses carbon dioxide and water as reactants, facilitated by sunlight absorbed by chlorophyll.

Functions of Carbohydrates

• Oxidation of carbohydrates serves as a major energy source.
• They serve as short-term energy reserves when stored as glycogen.
• Carbohydrates are essential for supplying carbon atoms needed for the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
• Serve as structural components of DNA and RNA molecules.
• They are integral to the structure of cell membranes when linked to lipids.
• Carbohydrates linked to proteins play key roles in cell-cell and cell-molecule recognition.

Classification of Carbohydrates

• Simple carbohydrates generally follow the empirical formula CnH2On.
• Monosaccharides consist of a single polyhydroxy aldehyde or ketone unit.
• Disaccharides are formed by two monosaccharide units covalently bonded.
• Oligosaccharides contain two to ten monosaccharide units connected covalently.
• Polysaccharides are long chains of many monosaccharide units joined together.

Chirality in Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates can exist as “left-handed” or “right-handed” forms, mirroring each other's structure.
• Glucose is classified as a polyhydroxy aldehyde, while fructose is a polyhydroxy ketone.
• The distinction between these forms relates to their stereochemistry, which affects their biological interactions.

Introduction to Biochemistry

• Biochemistry studies the chemical processes and substances in living organisms.
• Bioorganic molecules constitute the majority of biochemical substances, with carbohydrates being the most abundant.

Occurrence of Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates make up approximately 75% of the dry mass of plants.
• They are produced in plants through photosynthesis, which uses carbon dioxide and water as reactants, facilitated by sunlight absorbed by chlorophyll.

Functions of Carbohydrates

• Oxidation of carbohydrates serves as a major energy source.
• They serve as short-term energy reserves when stored as glycogen.
• Carbohydrates are essential for supplying carbon atoms needed for the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
• Serve as structural components of DNA and RNA molecules.
• They are integral to the structure of cell membranes when linked to lipids.
• Carbohydrates linked to proteins play key roles in cell-cell and cell-molecule recognition.

Classification of Carbohydrates

• Simple carbohydrates generally follow the empirical formula CnH2On.
• Monosaccharides consist of a single polyhydroxy aldehyde or ketone unit.
• Disaccharides are formed by two monosaccharide units covalently bonded.
• Oligosaccharides contain two to ten monosaccharide units connected covalently.
• Polysaccharides are long chains of many monosaccharide units joined together.

Chirality in Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates can exist as “left-handed” or “right-handed” forms, mirroring each other's structure.
• Glucose is classified as a polyhydroxy aldehyde, while fructose is a polyhydroxy ketone.
• The distinction between these forms relates to their stereochemistry, which affects their biological interactions.

This quiz focuses on the introductory concepts of carbohydrates in biochemistry, outlining their occurrence and functions. Explore the significance of these bioorganic molecules that play vital roles in various biological processes. Perfect for students in the first term of their biochemistry course.