Carbohydrate Definitions Flashcards

Study Notes

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are organic compounds found in foods and living tissues, including sugars, starch, and cellulose.
They play a crucial role in energy storage and supply in organisms.

Monosaccharides

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of sugars that cannot be broken down into simpler sugars.
Examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Disaccharides

Disaccharides consist of two monosaccharide units linked together.
Common examples include sucrose, lactose, and maltose.

Isomers

Isomers are compounds with the same chemical formula but different structures and properties.
This concept is significant in understanding the diversity of carbohydrates.

Glycogen

Glycogen serves as a carbohydrate storage form in animals, primarily found in the liver and muscles.
It is a polysaccharide that can be broken down into glucose when energy is needed.

Starch

Starch is a key carbohydrate reserve in plants, stored mainly in tubers and seeds.
It is tasteless, odorless, and comprised of long chains of glucose monomers.

Cellulose

Cellulose is a structural polysaccharide found in plant cell walls, providing rigidity and strength.
It consists of glucose monomers, but humans cannot digest it, making it an important dietary fiber.

Glucose

Glucose is a vital simple sugar that is a primary energy source for living cells.
It is involved in various metabolic processes and is a building block for other carbohydrates.

Fructose

Fructose is a hexose sugar prevalent in fruits and honey, contributing to sweetness and energy.
It is often found in combination with glucose in sucrose.

Galactose

Galactose is a hexose sugar that forms part of lactose, the sugar found in milk.
It is also a component of various polysaccharides.

Sucrose

Sucrose is known as table sugar and is derived from cane or beet sources.
It is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose.

Lactose

Lactose is a disaccharide sugar in milk, made of glucose and galactose units.
Its digestion can be problematic for some individuals due to lactose intolerance.

Maltose

Maltose is a disaccharide formed from two glucose molecules, often produced during starch breakdown.
It is found in malted foods and beverages.

Condensation Reaction

A condensation reaction occurs when two molecules combine with the release of a smaller molecule, typically water as a byproduct.
This process is crucial in forming disaccharides and polysaccharides.

Hydrolysis

Hydrolysis is the chemical breakdown of a compound due to its reaction with water.
It is essential for digesting carbohydrates, converting polysaccharides back into monosaccharides.

Description

Test your knowledge of carbohydrates with these flashcards. Each card presents a key term defined in the context of organic compounds, including monosaccharides and disaccharides. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of this essential topic in biology and nutrition.