Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the most abundant organic molecules in plants and animals. They function as storehouses of chemical energy, components of supportive structures, and essential components of nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates are often referred to as saccharides because of the sweet taste of the simpler members of the family, the sugars (Latin, saccharum, sugar).

Monosaccharides are the monomers or 'building blocks' of carbohydrates. They do not react with water. Examples are glucose, fructose, and ribose.

<p>Structurally, carbohydrates are polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones, or can give these substances when they are hydrolyzed. Carbohydrate chemistry involves the chemistry of aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and the hemiacetals and acetals derived from them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Carbohydrates are essential components of nucleic acids (D-ribose and 2-deoxy-D-ribose), thereby affecting mechanisms for the genetically controlled development and growth of living cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers