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Questions and Answers
What is the general chemical structure of a monosaccharide?
What is the general chemical structure of a monosaccharide?
What is the process by which carbohydrates are broken down into glucose in the digestive tract?
What is the process by which carbohydrates are broken down into glucose in the digestive tract?
What type of carbohydrate contains long chains of monosaccharides connected through glycosidic bonds?
What type of carbohydrate contains long chains of monosaccharides connected through glycosidic bonds?
What happens to excess glucose in the bloodstream?
What happens to excess glucose in the bloodstream?
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What is the term for the process by which glucose is synthesized from non-carbohydrate sources?
What is the term for the process by which glucose is synthesized from non-carbohydrate sources?
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What type of carbohydrates have a simple chemical structure and are composed of one or two sugars?
What type of carbohydrates have a simple chemical structure and are composed of one or two sugars?
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What is the process by which glucose is broken down into pyruvate for energy production?
What is the process by which glucose is broken down into pyruvate for energy production?
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What is the large, branched polysaccharide of glucose stored in the liver and muscles as an energy reserve?
What is the large, branched polysaccharide of glucose stored in the liver and muscles as an energy reserve?
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What is the process by which the body produces glucose from non-carbohydrate sources?
What is the process by which the body produces glucose from non-carbohydrate sources?
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Where does glycolysis occur in the cell?
Where does glycolysis occur in the cell?
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Study Notes
Carbohydrate Biochemistry
Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients in the human diet, along with protein and fat. These molecules contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. Carbohydrates play an important role in the human body. They act as an energy source, help control blood glucose and insulin metabolism, participate in cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism, and help with fermentation. The digestive tract begins to break down carbohydrates into glucose, which is used for energy upon consumption. Any extra glucose in the bloodstream is stored in the liver and muscle tissue until further energy is needed.
Structures
Monosaccharides
The most basic, fundamental unit of a carbohydrate is the monosaccharide. These are simple sugars with the general chemical structure of C6H12O6. Examples include glucose, galactose, and fructose.
Disaccharides
Compound sugars containing two monosaccharides with the elimination of a water molecule have the general chemical structure C12H22O11. Examples include sucrose and lactose.
Oligosaccharides
These polymers contain three to ten monosaccharides. Examples include maltodextrins and raffinose.
Polysaccharides
Polymers containing long chains of monosaccharides connected through glycosidic bonds are called polysaccharides. Examples include amylose and cellulose.
Types
Simple Carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates, also known as simple sugars, are composed of one or two sugars (monosaccharides or disaccharides) and have a simple chemical structure. These are easily utilized for energy, causing a rapid rise in blood sugar and insulin secretion from the pancreas.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates, also known as complex sugars, contain three or more sugars (oligosaccharides or polysaccharides) bonded together in a more complex chemical structure. These are used for energy storage and structural purposes in cells.
Glycolysis
Glycolysis is the process by which glucose is broken down into pyruvate, which can then be used for energy production. This process occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell and does not require oxygen. It consists of two stages: the preparation phase and the energy-producing phase.
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Carbohydrates are used for energy production in the body through a process called cellular respiration. When glucose is consumed, it enters the bloodstream and is transported to the liver, where it can be either used for energy production or stored as glycogen. Glycogen is a large, branched polysaccharide of glucose that is stored in the liver and muscles as an energy reserve.
Gluconeogenesis
Gluconeogenesis is the process by which the body produces glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids and glycerol. This process occurs in the liver and kidneys and is regulated by hormones such as glucagon and insulin.
Glycogen
Glycogen is a large, branched polysaccharide of glucose that is stored in the liver and muscles as an energy reserve. It is synthesized from glucose 6-phosphate and is hydrolyzed to release glucose 6-phosphate, which can enter glycolysis for energy production.
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Description
Explore the basic concepts of carbohydrates, including monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. Learn about simple and complex carbohydrates, glycolysis, carbohydrate metabolism, gluconeogenesis, and the role of glycogen in energy storage. Understand the importance of carbohydrates in the human diet and body functions.
