Carbohydrate Classification

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Questions and Answers

What is the chemical formula for glucose?

C6H12O6 (correct)

C6H14O6

C6H10O5

C5H10O5

All carbohydrates are classified as either simple or complex carbohydrates.

True

What are the two subgroups of carbohydrates?

Simple and complex carbohydrates

The simplest unit of a carbohydrate is a __________.

monosaccharide Signup and view all the answers

Match the following monosaccharides with their descriptions:

Glucose = Most abundant carbohydrate in the human body Fructose = Sweetest naturally-occurring sugar Galactose = Component of lactose Sucrose = Common table sugar Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a disaccharide?

Lactose Signup and view all the answers

Complex carbohydrates are made up of long chains of monosaccharides.

True Signup and view all the answers

Name one function of carbohydrates in the body.

Provide energy Signup and view all the answers

Which monosaccharide is primarily used by the brain as an energy source?

Glucose Signup and view all the answers

Fructose is not an energy source for cells in the body.

True Signup and view all the answers

What component of milk is formed from glucose and galactose?

Lactose Signup and view all the answers

The sugar found in fruits and vegetables, known as table sugar, is called __________.

sucrose Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of sugars with their characteristics:

Glucose = Preferred energy source for brain Galactose = Less stable than glucose Fructose = Found mainly in fruits Sucrose = Table sugar composed of glucose and fructose Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of dietary fibers?

They are beneficial for gastrointestinal health. Signup and view all the answers

Humans produce enzymes that can break down dietary fiber.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary form in which humans store glucose energy?

Glycogen Signup and view all the answers

A disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules is called __________.

maltose Signup and view all the answers

Match the following sugar alcohols to their examples:

Sorbitol = Used in sugar-free foods Xylitol = Similar sweetness to table sugar Glycerol = Used as a humectant Erythritol = Low-calorie sweetener Signup and view all the answers

Which type of carbohydrate primarily provides energy storage in plants?

Starch Signup and view all the answers

Resistant starches are easily digested and absorbed, providing a quick energy boost.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are pentoses commonly associated with in living organisms?

Nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) Signup and view all the answers

Soluble fibers are more easily accessible to __________ enzymes in the large intestine.

bacterial Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a common disaccharide?

Fructose Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Carbohydrate Classification

Carbohydrates are organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio.
The simplest carbohydrate unit is a monosaccharide.
Carbohydrates are broadly classified into simple (fast-releasing) and complex (slow-releasing) carbohydrates.

Simple Carbohydrates

Simple carbohydrates include monosaccharides and disaccharides.
Monosaccharides are single sugar units, like glucose, fructose, and galactose.
Disaccharides are made up of two monosaccharides linked together, such as sucrose, lactose, and maltose.

Monosaccharides

Glucose is the preferred fuel source for most organisms.
The brain relies on glucose for energy, except during extreme starvation.
Galactose is similar to glucose but less stable and quickly converted to glucose by the liver.
Fructose is a common monosaccharide found in fruits, honey, and sugarcane. It's not a direct energy source for most body cells.

Disaccharides

Disaccharides contain at least one glucose molecule.
Sucrose (table sugar) is made of glucose and fructose.
Lactose (milk sugar) is composed of glucose and galactose.
Maltose is a breakdown product of starches and rarely found as a disaccharide in food.

Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates are polysaccharides, long chains of monosaccharides.
The two main groups of polysaccharides are starches and dietary fibers.

Starches

Starches are found in grains, legumes, and root vegetables.
Amylose is a linear chain of glucose units.
Amylopectin is a branched chain of glucose units.
Cooking breaks down starch crystals, making them easier to digest.
Resistant starches are not broken down during digestion and may benefit gut health.

Dietary Fibers

Dietary fibers are highly branched and cross-linked polysaccharides.
Examples include pectin, gums, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin.
Humans can't break down dietary fiber, but gut bacteria can.
Dietary fiber is categorized as soluble or insoluble.
Soluble fibers (inulin, pectin, guar gum) are found in peas, beans, oats, barley, and rye.
Insoluble fibers (cellulose, lignin) are found in whole grains, flax, cauliflower, and avocados.
Functional fibers are added to foods and provide health benefits.
Total dietary fiber includes dietary and functional fiber.

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Description

This quiz covers the classification of carbohydrates, detailing the differences between simple and complex carbohydrates. It explores the structures and functions of monosaccharides and disaccharides, including common examples of each type. Assess your understanding of these essential organic compounds and their roles in nutrition.