Carbohydrates and Polysaccharides Overview
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Questions and Answers

What type of bond is formed between monosaccharides during the creation of disaccharides?

  • Peptide bond
  • Covalent bond
  • Ionic bond
  • Glycosidic bond (correct)
  • What is the primary sugar found in milk, and what is its composition?

  • Raffinose; Glucose, Fructose, and Galactose
  • Lactose; Galactose and Glucose (correct)
  • Maltose; Glucose and Galactose
  • Sucrose; Glucose and Fructose
  • In the context of oligosaccharides, what does the prefix 'oligo' signify?

  • Few (correct)
  • Large
  • Many
  • Single
  • Which of the following is NOT a type of disaccharide?

    <p>Starch</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of glycosidic bond is present in sucrose?

    <p>α(1→2)β</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which molecule serves as an intermediate product during the hydrolysis of starch?

    <p>Maltose</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of oligosaccharides in cells?

    <p>Cell recognition and adhesion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes a trisaccharide?

    <p>Contains three monosaccharide units</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is not a part of the structure of starch?

    <p>Glycogen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of bonding is found in both amylose and amylopectin?

    <p>α-1,4 glycosidic bonds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is the primary storage polysaccharide in animals?

    <p>Glycogen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about glycogen is true?

    <p>It can be rapidly broken down for energy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)?

    <p>Long, unbranched chains of repeating disaccharides</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is chitin primarily composed of?

    <p>N-acetylglucosamine with β (1--&gt;4) glycosidic bonds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of polysaccharides, what distinguishes structural polysaccharides from storage polysaccharides?

    <p>Storage polysaccharides contain only α-glucose</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following polysaccharides is used as an anticoagulant?

    <p>Heparin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which describes the structure of proteins?

    <p>Large complex molecules formed from amino acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a heteropolysaccharide?

    <p>Hyaluronic acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which amino acid sequence is classified as a peptide?

    <p>2 amino acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of sugar unit is found in chitin?

    <p>D-acetyl glucosamine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of hyaluronic acid in the body?

    <p>Lubrication and shock absorption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes glycogen from other polysaccharides?

    <p>It has a highly branched structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which function does lipids serve in the body?

    <p>Energy storage and insulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the structure of chondroitin 6-sulphate made of?

    <p>Disaccharides of glucuronic acid and N-acetylgalactosamine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the main components of verbascose?

    <p>Verbascose consists of three galactose units, one glucose, and one fructose.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do oligosaccharides determine blood group types?

    <p>Oligosaccharides act as determinants for the ABO blood group by presenting specific sugars on the surface of red blood cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes storage polysaccharides from structural polysaccharides?

    <p>Storage polysaccharides contain only α-glucose units, while structural polysaccharides contain only β-glucose units.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the structure of starch.

    <p>Starch is a mixture of two polymers: amylose, which is unbranched, and amylopectin, which is branched every 24-30 glucose units.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines an aldotetrose?

    <p>An aldotetrose is a 4-carbon sugar that contains an aldehyde functional group.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of glycogen in the body?

    <p>Glycogen serves as a readily mobilized storage form of glucose, providing energy when needed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe one key difference between aldoses and ketoses.

    <p>Aldoses have the carbonyl group on C1 while ketoses have it on C2.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify a characteristic feature of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs).

    <p>Glycosaminoglycans are long, unbranched chains composed of repeating disaccharide units of amino sugars and acidic sugars.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the composition of chitin, and why is it significant?

    <p>Chitin is primarily composed of N-acetylglucosamine units and is the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of chiral carbon atoms in monosaccharides?

    <p>Chiral carbon atoms cause optical activity by rotating polarized light either to the right (D) or to the left (L).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are the names of four and five carbon ketoses formed from their corresponding aldoses?

    <p>The names are formed by inserting 'ul' into the name of the corresponding aldose.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Can you explain the difference between amylose and amylopectin?

    <p>Amylose is a long unbranched chain of glucose linked by α-1,4 bonds, while amylopectin has a branched structure with glucose chains linked by both α-1,4 and α-1,6 bonds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of glucose in human metabolism?

    <p>Glucose is the most important simple carbohydrate that regulates blood glucose levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the four major types of macromolecules?

    <p>Carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the classification of monosaccharides based on the number of carbon atoms.

    <p>Monosaccharides can be classified as trioses, tetroses, pentoses, hexoses, or heptoses depending on the number of carbon atoms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain the structural difference between glucose and fructose.

    <p>Glucose and fructose are structural isomers, differing in the arrangement of atoms in their structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the general empirical formula for carbohydrates?

    <p>The general empirical formula for carbohydrates is $C_n(H_2O)_n$.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does D-glyceraldehyde play in stereochemistry?

    <p>D-glyceraldehyde serves as a standard reference molecule for chiral compounds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which monosaccharide has no chiral carbon?

    <p>Dihydroxyacetone is the monosaccharide that has no chiral carbon.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes aldo sugars and keto sugars?

    <p>Aldos are characterized by the presence of an aldehyde group, while ketoses contain a ketone group.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most common monosaccharide and its formula?

    <p>The most common monosaccharide is glucose, with the molecular formula $C_6H_{12}O_6$.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Differentiate between homopolysaccharides and heteropolysaccharides.

    <p>Homopolysaccharides consist of the same monosaccharides, while heteropolysaccharides are made up of different monosaccharides.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of carbohydrates in the body?

    <p>Carbohydrates serve as the primary source of energy for the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the suffix '-ose' relate to carbohydrates?

    <p>The suffix '-ose' indicates that a molecule is a sugar, which is a type of carbohydrate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do amino acids play in protein formation?

    <p>Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, linked together by peptide bonds in a specific sequence dictated by DNA.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does hyaluronic acid contribute to joint function?

    <p>Hyaluronic acid provides lubrication and shock absorption in synovial fluid, aiding in joint function and protection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of chitin in crustaceans and insects?

    <p>Chitin serves as a structural component in the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects, providing strength and protection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the function of heparin in the human body.

    <p>Heparin acts as an anticoagulant, preventing blood clotting during surgery and in blood sample tubes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the primary functions of proteins in the body?

    <p>Proteins function as structural components, enzymes, hormones, antibodies, and transport molecules essential for various bodily processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes essential amino acids from non-essential amino acids?

    <p>Essential amino acids must be obtained through the diet, while non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain the role of lipids in cellular structure.

    <p>Lipids are key components of cell membranes, regulating membrane permeability and contributing to membrane structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the structure of chondroitin 6-sulphate composed of?

    <p>Chondroitin 6-sulphate consists of repeating disaccharide units made of glucuronic acid and N-acetylgalactosamine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main classes of nucleic acids and their primary functions?

    <p>The two main classes of nucleic acids are DNA and RNA. DNA primarily stores genetic information, while RNA is involved in protein synthesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes ribose from deoxyribose in nucleic acids?

    <p>Ribose is a sugar molecule that contains an oxygen atom at C-2, while deoxyribose lacks this oxygen atom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    List the four main types of non-covalent bonding interactions relevant to biological systems.

    <p>The four main types of non-covalent bonds are ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and van der Waals forces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the basic structure of a nucleotide and its components?

    <p>A nucleotide consists of a phosphate group, a sugar molecule, and a nitrogenous base.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain why carbon is a crucial element in biological macromolecules.

    <p>Carbon is essential because it can form stable bonds with itself and other atoms like hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do covalent bonds differ from non-covalent interactions in biological macromolecules?

    <p>Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, while non-covalent interactions involve weaker attractions without electron sharing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do nucleotides play as components of coenzymes?

    <p>Nucleotides like NAD and FAD are essential as components of coenzymes in various biochemical reactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify the main types of covalent bonds found in macromolecules.

    <p>The main types of covalent bonds include peptide (amide) bonds and disulfide bonds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two primary functions of chitin in biological systems?

    <p>Chitin serves as a structural component in the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects, and it is also used as surgical thread due to its biodegradability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does hyaluronic acid function in the body, particularly in connective tissues?

    <p>Hyaluronic acid provides lubrication and shock absorption in synovial fluid and connective tissues such as cartilage and skin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structural units make up chondroitin 6-sulphate and what are its primary applications?

    <p>Chondroitin 6-sulphate is composed of glucuronic acid and N-acetylgalactosamine, and it is primarily used in the prevention and management of osteoarthritis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does heparin play in the human body?

    <p>Heparin acts as an anticoagulant, preventing blood clotting during surgical procedures and in blood sample tubes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe how proteins are constructed at a molecular level.

    <p>Proteins are constructed by linking amino acids together in a specific sequence via peptide bonds, determined by the DNA sequence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes essential amino acids from non-essential amino acids?

    <p>Essential amino acids must be supplied through diet, while non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain the process of peptide bond formation.

    <p>Peptide bonds are formed through a condensation reaction, which involves the removal of a water molecule between two amino acids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do lipids compare to carbohydrates in terms of energy content?

    <p>Lipids contain twice the energy content of carbohydrates due to their higher ratio of C-H bonds and lower oxygen content.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main types of polysaccharides and how do they differ in composition?

    <p>The two main types of polysaccharides are storage polysaccharides, which contain only α-glucose units, and structural polysaccharides, which contain only β-glucose units.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the structure and composition of starch with respect to its components.

    <p>Starch consists of two polymers: amylose, which is unbranched and linked by α-1,4 glycosidic bonds, and amylopectin, which is branched every 24-30 glucose units.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary structural feature of glycogen compared to amylopectin?

    <p>Glycogen is similar to amylopectin but has more frequent branching, occurring about every 12 glucose units due to α-(1,6) glycosidic bonds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain what glycosaminoglycans are and give two examples.

    <p>Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are long, unbranched chains of repeating disaccharide units made of amino sugars and acidic sugars, examples include chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do oligosaccharides contribute to determining blood group types?

    <p>Oligosaccharides present on the surface of red blood cells function as ABO blood group determinants by providing specific antigenic sites.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the composition of chitin and its significance in nature?

    <p>Chitin is primarily composed of N-acetylglucosamine and is the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature, providing structural support in the exoskeletons of arthropods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does fucose play in the composition of the blood group oligosaccharides?

    <p>Fucose is a 6-carbon L-sugar that is part of the oligosaccharide chain contributing to the ABO blood group determinants on red blood cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify the main difference between amylose and amylopectin in terms of structure.

    <p>Amylose is a long, unbranched polymer of glucose linked by α-1,4 glycosidic bonds, while amylopectin is branched with both α-1,4 and α-1,6 glycosidic bonds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of hydrogen bonding in proteins?

    <p>Hydrogen bonding stabilizes protein structures, facilitating both intramolecular and intermolecular interactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do hydrophobic interactions contribute to protein folding?

    <p>Hydrophobic interactions cause non-polar amino acids to aggregate away from water, promoting the folding of proteins into their tertiary structures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the role of hydrogen bonds in the stabilization of DNA's double helix.

    <p>Hydrogen bonds between specific base pairs, such as G-C and A-T, stabilize the double helical structure of DNA.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the concept of the hydrophobic effect in aqueous solutions?

    <p>The hydrophobic effect describes the tendency of non-polar molecules to aggregate in water to minimize their exposure to it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do van der Waals forces contribute to protein structure?

    <p>Van der Waals forces provide weak attractions between molecules, contributing to the stability and proper folding of the protein's 3D structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What types of chemical bonds are involved in forming the tertiary structure of proteins?

    <p>Tertiary structures in proteins are formed through hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and disulfide bridges.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way do hydrophilic biomolecules interact with water?

    <p>Hydrophilic biomolecules form hydrogen bonds with water, making them soluble in aqueous environments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary contribution of hydrogen bonds in stabilizing biological molecules?

    <p>Hydrogen bonds increase the structural integrity and stability of important biomolecules like proteins and nucleic acids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the basic units of nucleic acids and their significance?

    <p>Nucleotides are the basic units of nucleic acids, and they are significant for storing genetic information, acting as energy carriers, and serving as components of co-enzymes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain the difference between ribose and deoxyribose.

    <p>Ribose is a sugar molecule found in RNA, containing an oxygen atom at C-2, while deoxyribose, found in DNA, lacks an oxygen atom at that position.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What types of chemical bonds are most important in biological macromolecules?

    <p>Covalent bonds, such as peptide and disulfide bonds, as well as non-covalent interactions like hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds are important in biological macromolecules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does carbon play in forming biological macromolecules?

    <p>Carbon forms stable covalent bonds with itself and other elements like hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, which are fundamental to the structure of biological macromolecules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes covalent bonds from non-covalent interactions in biological systems?

    <p>Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, while non-covalent interactions, like hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces, arise from weaker attractions between molecules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify two biological roles of nucleotides.

    <p>Nucleotides are crucial for storing genetic information and acting as energy carriers, such as ATP.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the two main classes of nucleic acids.

    <p>The two main classes of nucleic acids are DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which stores genetic information, and RNA (ribonucleic acid), which plays roles in protein synthesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of biological macromolecules in living systems?

    <p>Biological macromolecules, composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements, serve essential functions such as structural support, energy storage, and catalyzing biochemical reactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of bond is essential for linking amino acids in proteins?

    <p>Peptide bond.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do disulfide bonds contribute to protein structure?

    <p>They stabilize protein structure by linking cysteine residues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do non-covalent interactions play in biomolecules?

    <p>They determine biomolecular structure, stability, and function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of ionic bonds in proteins?

    <p>They stabilize proteins through attraction between charged amino acid side chains.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain the importance of hydrogen bonds in water's properties.

    <p>Hydrogen bonds account for water's unique solvent properties and support biological structures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens during the formation of ionic bonds between amino acids?

    <p>Electrons are transferred, forming positively and negatively charged ions that attract each other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe a fundamental characteristic of van der Waals interactions.

    <p>They are weak attractions that occur between molecules due to transient dipoles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way do non-covalent interactions assist in protein folding?

    <p>They help proteins achieve their three-dimensional conformation necessary for function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Carbohydrates

    • Verbascose is a pentasaccharide made up of 3 galactose units, 1 glucose unit and 1 fructose unit
    • ABO blood group substances are oligosaccharides found in most cells and some secretions
    • ABO blood group substances are made up of 4 sugars - galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, galactose and fucose
    • Fucose is a 6-carbon L-sugar.

    Polysaccharides

    • Polysaccharides are large molecules containing more than 10 monosaccharide units
    • Polysaccharides are joined together by O-glycosidic linkages which can be in a continuous chain or branched
    • Storage polysaccharides contain only α- glucose units, for example, starch and glycogen
    • Structural polysaccharides contain only β- glucose units, for example, cellulose and chitin.

    Starch - Storage Polysaccharide

    • Starch is a main food storage molecule in plants
    • Starch is a mixture of two polymers - amylose (20%) and amylopectin (80%)
    • Amylose is made of glucose units linked by α-1,4 glycosidic bonds
    • Amylose is long and unbranched
    • Amylopectin is made of glucose units linked by α-1,4 glycosidic bonds in short chains
    • Amylopectin is branched every 24–30 glucose units
    • Amylopectin branches are formed by α-1,6 glycosidic bonds

    Glycogen - Storage Polysaccharide

    • Glycogen is a readily mobilized glucose storage form
    • Glycogen is a large, branched polymer of glucose residues
    • Glycogen can be broken down into glucose when the body needs energy
    • Glycogen structure is similar to amylopectin except that α-(1,6) branching occurs every 12 glucose units

    Heteropolysaccharides

    • Heteropolysaccharides are long, unbranched chains composed of repeating disaccharide units
    • Disaccharide units are made of an amino sugar and an acidic sugar
    • Amino sugars are either D-acetyl glucosamine or D-galactosamine
    • Acidic sugars are either D-glucuronic acid or L-iduronic acid
    • Examples of heteropolysaccharides include chitin, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, keratan sulfate and heparin.

    Chitin

    • Chitin is the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature
    • Chitin makes up the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects
    • Chitin forms β (1--4) glycosidic bonds between N-acetylglucosamine units
    • Chitin is biodegradable and is used as surgical thread

    Hyaluronic acid

    • Hyaluronic acid is made of long chains of modified glucose units
    • Hyaluronic acid is found in synovial fluid (joints), the eye and connective tissues (ligaments, cartilage, skin)
    • Hyaluronic acid is viscous, provides lubrication and shock absorption

    Chondroitin 6-sulphate

    • Chondroitin 6-sulphate is made of repeating disaccharide units of glucuronic acid and N-acetylgalactosamine
    • Chondroitin 6-sulphate is found in connective tissues (tendons and cartilage)
    • Chondroitin 6-sulphate is used in artificial skin
    • Chondroitin 6-sulphate is recommended for the prevention and management of osteoarthritis

    Heparin

    • Heparin is a polysaccharide polymer composed of 2 monosaccharides - uronic acid and glucosamine
    • Heparin is an anticoagulant
    • Heparin is used to prevent blood clotting after surgery and in blood sample tubes.

    Proteins

    • Proteins are large molecules composed of amino acids
    • There are 20 different amino acids used to make proteins
    • 9 amino acids are essential and must be supplied by food
    • 11 amino acids are non-essential and can be made by the body
    • Proteins have a wide variety of functions including structural support, enzymes, hormones, antibodies, transport and signal molecules.

    Amino Acid Structure

    • Amino acids contain an amino group, a carboxyl group and a side chain which differentiates each amino acid

    Proteins

    • Amino acids are joined together in a specific sequence by peptide bonds
    • The sequence of amino acids is determined by DNA
    • Two amino acids joined by a peptide bond form a dipeptide
    • Short chains of amino acids containing <10 amino acids are called peptides
    • Longer chains of amino acids containing up to 50 amino acids are called polypeptides

    Peptide Bond Formation

    • Peptide bonds are formed by a condensation reaction (removal of water)

    Protein Structure

    • Proteins have 4 levels of structure: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary
    • Primary structure refers to the linear sequence of amino acids
    • Secondary structure refers to the local folding of the polypeptide chain, such as alpha-helices and beta-sheets
    • Tertiary structure refers to the three-dimensional shape of the polypeptide chain
    • Quaternary structure refers to the arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains in a protein complex

    Lipids

    • Lipids are usually non-polar, hydrophobic, and water insoluble
    • Lipids have a diverse structure and a variety of functions
    • Lipids contain less oxygen and more C-H bonds than carbohydrates
    • Lipids are a significant source of energy, containing twice the energy density as carbohydrates
    • Lipids are the constituents of cell membranes and regulate membrane permeability
    • Lipids act as shock absorbers for internal organs
    • Lipids provide thermal insulation

    Galactose

    • Galactose is a monosaccharide, a major source is dairy products
    • Galactose is a component of lactose (a disaccharide) and glycoproteins
    • Galactose is found in brain and nerve tissue
    • Galactosemia is a genetic disorder where the body cannot properly metabolize galactose, leading to cataracts due to an enzyme deficiency

    Biological Significance of Monosaccharide Stereochemistry

    • Most monosaccharides in humans are D-sugars
    • L-arabinose and L-fucose are important L-sugars found in plants and mammalian cells, respectively
    • Only L-amino acids are used in protein synthesis

    Disaccharides

    • Disaccharides are formed by condensation/dehydration reactions where a water molecule is removed from two monosaccharides
    • The bond formed between two monosaccharides is an O-glycosidic bond
    • Disaccharides can be hydrolyzed to form monosaccharides (reverse reaction)

    Sucrose

    • Sucrose is commonly called table sugar
    • Sucrose is composed of a glucose and a fructose unit linked through an α(12)β glycosidic bond
    • Sucrose is highly sweet and soluble, not a reducing sugar

    Maltose

    • Maltose is formed by an α(14) glycosidic linkage between two glucose units
    • Maltose is called malt sugar
    • Maltose is an intermediate product of starch hydrolysis

    Lactose

    • Lactose is found exclusively in the milk of mammals
    • Lactose is called milk sugar
    • Lactose is composed of galactose and glucose units joined by a β (14) glycosidic bond
    • Lactose is less sweet and less soluble than sucrose

    Oligosaccharides

    • Oligosaccharides contain 3 to 10 monosaccharide units
    • Oligosaccharides function in cell recognition and cell adhesion
    • Oligosaccharides are not commonly found free in cells, but rather covalently attached to proteins and therefore are said to be glycosylated
    • Oligosaccharides are linked to proteins by N- or O-glycosidic bonds.

    Trisaccharides

    • Trisaccharides contain 3 monosaccharide units
    • Raffinose is a trisaccharide containing fructose + galactose + glucose

    Tetrasaccharides

    • Tetrasaccharides contain 4 monosaccharide units
    • Stachyose is a tetrasaccharide containing 2 (galactose) + glucose + fructose

    Macromolecules

    • Large, carbon-based organic molecules
    • Created by polymerization of smaller subunits
    • Four major types:
      • Carbohydrates – monosaccharides
      • Proteins – amino acids
      • Nucleic acids – nucleotides
      • Lipids- no true basic units = fatty acids + glycerol

    Carbohydrates

    • Primary source of energy
    • Oxidation of carbohydrates during respiration yields energy which is stored in ATP and utilized whenever needed
    • Structural components (cell membrane)
    • Part of backbone of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA)
    • Role in cell identification, signaling

    Carbohydrate Structure

    • Carbohydrates are carbon-based molecules rich in hydroxyl groups
    • Most abundant carbohydrate is glucose, C6H12O6
    • Glucose is the most important simple carbohydrate in human metabolism

    Carbohydrate Classification

    • Monosaccharides: single sugar unit
      • Trioses: 3 carbon atoms
      • Tetroses: 4 carbon atoms
      • Pentoses: 5 carbon atoms
      • Hexoses: 6 carbon atoms
      • Heptoses: 7 carbon atoms
      • Octoses: 8 carbon atoms
    • Disaccharides: 2 sugar units
    • Oligosaccharides: 3 to 10 sugar units
    • Polysaccharides: 10 or more sugar units
    • Homopolysaccharides: consist of the same monosaccharides
    • Heteropolysaccharides: different monosaccharides

    Monosaccharide Structure

    • Aldoses: monosaccharides containing aldehyde group
    • Ketoses: monosaccharides containing ketone group
    • The suffix –ose indicates that a molecule is a ‘sugar’- carbohydrate.
    • The prefixes tri-, tetr-, pent- etc indicate the number of carbon atoms in the monosaccharide.
    • Glyceraldehyde: an aldotriose
    • Dihydroxyacetone: a ketotriose
    • Most carbohydrates of interest in human biochemistry are aldohexoses or aldopentoses.
    • Four and five carbon ketoses are designated by inserting “ul” into the name of the corresponding aldose. E.g. ribose becomes ribulose (ketose form).

    Stereochemistry

    • Monosaccharides possess stereogenic centres which are carbon atoms that bind four different groups
    • All carbohydrates contain at least one asymmetrical (chiral) carbon, except for dihydroxyacetone
    • Glyceraldehyde is used as the standard reference molecule
    • Asymmetric carbon atoms confer optical activity
      • Rotates polarized light to the right (D)- Dextrorotatory
      • Rotates polarized light to the left (L)- Levorotatory

    Important Monosaccharides

    • Glucose: Most important simple carbohydrate in human metabolism
      • Regulation of blood glucose is important in human health
      • Diabetes mellitus
    • Fructose: fruit sugar
      • Structural isomer of glucose
      • Sweeter than glucose
      • Fructose intolerance leads to fructose accumulation and hypoglycaemia

    Blood Groups

    • ABO substances are oligosaccharides present in most cells of the body and in certain secretions
    • On the surface of red blood cells, three different types of oligosaccharides may be found
    • Help provide ABO blood group determinants

    Polysaccharides

    • Large molecules > 10 monosaccharide units
    • Joined by O-glycosidic linkages in one continuous chain
    • Storage polysaccharides: Contain only α- glucose units (e.g. starch and glycogen)
    • Structural polysaccharides: Contain only β- glucose units (e.g. cellulose and chitin)

    Starch

    • Main food storage molecule of plants
    • Mixture of 2 polymers:
      • amylose: (20%) – glucose units linked by α-1,4 glycosidic bonds, long and unbranched
      • amylopectin: (80%) – glucose units linked in short chains by α-1,4 glycosidic bonds, branched every 24 - 30 glucose units, branches formed by 1,6 glycosidic bonds

    Glycogen

    • Readily mobilized storage form of glucose
    • Large, branched polymer of glucose residues that can be broken down to yield glucose molecules
    • Structure is identical to amylopectin, except that the α-(1,6) branching occurs about every 12 glucose units

    Heteropolysaccharides

    • Commonly called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) or mucopolysaccharides
    • Long, unbranched chains generally composed of a repeating disaccharide unit (amino sugar-acidic sugar)
    • Amino sugar: D-acetyl glucosamine or D-galactosamine
    • Acidic sugar: D-glucuronic acid or L-iduronic acid
    • Examples: chitin, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, keratan sulfate and heparin

    Chitin

    • Second most abundant polysaccharide in nature
    • Exoskeleton of crustaceans and insects (e.g. lobsters, beetles and spiders)
    • Made of N-acetylglucosamine containing β (1--4) glycosidic bonds

    Hyaluronic Acid

    • Long chains of modified glucose units are found in synovial fluid in joints, eye and in connective tissues (ligaments, cartilage, skin)
    • Viscous molecule that provides lubrication and shock absorption

    Chondroitin 6-sulfate

    • Repeating disaccharide units composed of glucuronic acid and N-acetylgalactosamine
    • Chains are found in connective tissues, tendons and cartilage

    Heparin

    • Polysaccharide polymer consisting of 2 types of monosaccharides: uronic acid and glucosamine
    • Anticoagulant used in preventing blood clotting after surgery and in blood sample tubes.

    Proteins

    • Large complex molecules composed of amino acids
    • 20 different amino acids used to make proteins:
      • essential (9): must be supplied by food
      • non-essential (11): can be made in the body
    • Functions:
      • Structural components- building blocks of muscle, bone, skin and hair
      • Enzymes, hormones, antibodies, transport and signal molecules

    Amino Acid Structure

    • All amino acids share a common structure with:
      • A central carbon atom (alpha carbon)
      • An amino group (-NH2)
      • A carboxyl group (-COOH)
      • A hydrogen atom (-H)
      • A side chain (‘R’ group), which is unique to each amino acid.

    Peptide Bonds

    • Amino acids are linked together in a specific sequence by peptide bonds
    • The sequence of amino acids is determined by DNA
    • Dipeptide: 2 amino acids (1 peptide bond)
    • Peptides: short chains of amino acids, generally containing fewer than 10 amino acids
    • Polypeptides: Longer chains of amino acids up to 50 amino acids

    Protein Structure

    • Primary structure: Linear sequence of amino acids
    • Secondary structure: Folding of the polypeptide chain, includes alpha helices and beta sheets
    • Tertiary structure: 3D shape of the polypeptide chain, formed by interactions between side chains
    • Quaternary structure: Arises from the association of two or more polypeptide chains

    Lipids

    • Usually non-polar, hydrophobic, water insoluble substances of diverse structure
    • Significant source of energy: contain twice the energy content as carbohydrates
    • Constituents of cell membranes
    • Regulate membrane permeability
    • Shock absorbers for internal organs
    • Thermal insulation

    Nucleic Acids

    • Biopolymers that are essential to all forms of life
    • Two main classes:
      • DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
      • RNA (ribonucleic acid)
    • Basic units of nucleic acids are nucleotides
    • Biological Role of Nucleotides:
      • Genetic information
      • Energy carrier (eg.ATP and GTP)
      • Components of co-enzymes (eg.NAD and FAD)
      • Signal transduction

    Nucleic Acid Building Blocks

    • Nucleotide: consists of a phosphate group – sugar molecule – nitrogenous base
    • DNA: sugar molecule is deoxyribose
    • RNA: sugar molecule is ribose

    Chemical Bonding

    • All life forms are based on the bonding properties of carbon
    • Carbon forms stable bonds with itself and other atoms such as hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O)

    Types of Chemical Bonds

    • Covalent bonds: Atoms with relatively similar electronegativities share electrons between them
      • Peptide (amide bonds): link amino acids in proteins
      • Disulfide bonds: form between cysteine residues in proteins
    • Non-covalent bonds: Weaker than covalent bonds, important in maintaining structure and function
      • Ionic bonds: occur between charged molecules
      • Hydrogen bonds: interactions between a hydrogen atom and a highly electronegative atom (e.g. oxygen or nitrogen)
      • Hydrophobic interactions: tendency of non-polar molecules to cluster together in aqueous environments
      • van der Waals forces: weak, temporary attractions between molecules

    ### Importance of Chemical Bonding

    • Macromolecules are held together by strong intramolecular forces such as covalent bonds
    • Biological structures and processes depend on the interplay of these two interactions: covalent bonds and non-covalent interactions

    Carbohydrates

    • Verbascose is composed of 3 galactose molecules, 1 glucose molecule, and 1 fructose molecule.
    • ABO substances are oligosaccharides found in most cells and secretions.
    • ABO blood group determinants are formed by 3 different types of oligosaccharides, each with a chain of 4 sugars.
    • All ABO blood group determinants are made up of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and fucose.
    • Fucose is a 6-carbon L-sugar.
    • Polysaccharides are large molecules containing 10 or more monosaccharides linked by O-glycosidic bonds.
    • Starch is a storage polysaccharide composed of α -glucose units.
    • Starch is a mixture of amylose (20%) and amylopectin (80%).
    • Amylose is a long, unbranched chain of glucose units linked by α-1,4 glycosidic bonds.
    • Amylopectin contains short chains of glucose units linked by α-1,4 glycosidic bonds with branches every 24-30 glucose units, formed by 1,6 glycosidic bonds.
    • Glycogen is a storage form of glucose in animals and contains large, branched polymers of glucose residues.
    • Glycogen's structure is similar to amylopectin but with α-(1,6) branching occurring every 12 glucose units.
    • Heteropolysaccharides are composed of repeating disaccharide units.
    • Common examples of heteropolysaccharides are glycosaminoglycans or mucopolysaccharides.
    • Glycosaminoglycans are long, unbranched chains with a repeating disaccharide unit of an amino sugar (D-acetyl glucosamine or D-galactosamine) and an acidic sugar (D-glucuronic acid or L-iduronic acid).
    • Examples of heteropolysaccharides include: chitin, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, keratan sulfate, and heparin.
    • Chitin is the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature and makes up the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects.
    • Hyaluronic acid is found in synovial fluid, eyes, and connective tissues and provides lubrication and shock absorption.
    • Chondroitin 6-sulphate is found in connective tissues, tendons, and cartilage and is used in artificial skin.
    • Heparin is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clotting.

    Proteins

    • Proteins are large, complex molecules made up of amino acids.
    • There are 20 different amino acids used to make proteins.
    • 9 amino acids are essential, meaning they must be obtained from food.
    • 11 amino acids are non-essential, meaning they can be made by the body.
    • Proteins have various functions including:
      • Structural components of muscle, bone, skin, and hair.
      • Act as enzymes, hormones, antibodies, transport, and signal molecules.
    • Amino acids are linked together by peptide bonds, forming dipeptides, tripeptides, and polypeptides.
    • The sequence of amino acids in a protein is determined by DNA.
    • Peptide bonds are formed by a condensation reaction, meaning a water molecule is removed.

    Lipids

    • Lipids are non-polar, hydrophobic, water-insoluble molecules with diverse structures and functions.
    • Lipids have fewer oxygen molecules and more C-H bonds than carbohydrates.
    • Lipids are a significant source of energy, containing twice the energy content of carbohydrates.
    • Lipids are components of cell membranes and regulate membrane permeability.
    • Lipids act as shock absorbers for internal organs and provide thermal insulation.

    Nucleic Acids

    • Nucleic acids are biopolymers essential for all forms of life.
    • Nucleic acids direct cellular activities such as cell division and protein synthesis.
    • The two main classes of nucleic acids are DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
    • The basic units of nucleic acids are nucleotides.
    • Nucleotides have biological roles:
      • Store genetic information.
      • Carry energy (e.g., ATP, GTP).
      • Components of coenzymes (e.g., NAD, FAD).
      • Involved in signal transduction.

    Chemical Bonding

    • Carbon is an important element in biological systems due to its ability to form stable bonds with itself and other atoms such as hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen.
    • Biological macromolecules are organic and contain carbon.
    • Chemical bonding is the lasting attraction between atoms, ions, or molecules that enables the formation of chemical compounds.
    • Chemical bonds result from electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions (ionic bonds) or from the sharing of electrons (covalent bonds).
    • Covalent bonds and non-covalent interactions are important in living systems.

    Main Types of Chemical Bonding in Macromolecules

    • Covalent Bonds:
      • Peptide (amide) bonds: Link amino acids together in proteins.
      • Disulfide bonds: Formed between two cysteine residues, holding together polypeptide chains (inter-chain bonding) or within a single chain (intra-chain bonding).
    • Non-covalent Bonds:
      • Ionic bonds: Result from the attraction between oppositely charged ions.
      • Hydrogen bonds: Occur between a hydrogen atom of one molecule and an electronegative atom of another molecule (usually nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine).
      • Hydrophobic interactions: Non-polar molecules aggregate in an aqueous solution, excluding water molecules.
      • van der Waals forces: Weak attractions between neutral molecules in close proximity.

    Chemical Bonding in Proteins

    • Proteins are held together by strong intramolecular forces such as covalent and non-covalent bonds.
    • Peptide bonds create the primary structure of proteins.
    • Hydrogen bonds contribute to secondary and tertiary structures.
    • Ionic attractions/bonds contribute to tertiary structure.
    • Hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions contribute to tertiary structure.
    • Disulfide bridges contribute to tertiary structure.
    • Quaternary structure is dependent on tertiary structure.

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    Explore the fascinating world of carbohydrates, including their structure and function. This quiz covers essential topics such as pentasaccharides, oligosaccharides, and the properties of starch and polysaccharides. Test your knowledge on molecular types and their biochemical roles.

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