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Explain the chemical composition of carbohydrates and their role in providing energy in our diet.
Explain the chemical composition of carbohydrates and their role in providing energy in our diet.
Carbohydrates are composed of the elements C, H, and O, and are produced by photosynthesis in plants. They serve as the major source of energy in our diet. The chemical formula for carbohydrates is Cn(H2O)n, and they are represented by the equation 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy (photosynthesis) → C6H12O6 + 6O2 (glucose). Carbohydrates make up 65% of the foods in our diet and are the most abundant organic compounds in nature, constituting 50% of the earth’s biomass.
What are the characteristics of monosaccharides and how are they classified?
What are the characteristics of monosaccharides and how are they classified?
Monosaccharides are the simplest carbohydrates, consisting of 3-9 carbon atoms, a carbonyl group (aldehyde or ketone), and several hydroxyl groups. They are classified based on the number of carbon atoms and the placement of the carbonyl group. Monosaccharides with an aldehyde group are called aldoses, while those with a ketone group are called ketoses.
What are the three types of carbohydrates and how are they formed?
What are the three types of carbohydrates and how are they formed?
Carbohydrates are classified into three types: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides are the simplest carbohydrates and cannot be split into smaller carbohydrates. Disaccharides are formed by the condensation of two monosaccharide units with the elimination of a water molecule. Polysaccharides are formed by the condensation of many monosaccharide units with the elimination of multiple water molecules.
Explain the significance of carbohydrates in the biological systems.
Explain the significance of carbohydrates in the biological systems.
Discuss the distribution and abundance of carbohydrates in nature.
Discuss the distribution and abundance of carbohydrates in nature.
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Chemical Composition of Carbohydrates
- Composed primarily of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with a general formula of Cn(H2O)n.
- Each carbohydrate unit (monosaccharide) contains a carbonyl group (C=O) and multiple hydroxyl groups (-OH).
Role in Energy Provision
- Serve as a primary energy source in the diet, yielding approximately 4 calories per gram.
- Broken down into glucose, which is essential for cellular respiration and energy production.
Characteristics and Classification of Monosaccharides
- Simple sugars that cannot be hydrolyzed into simpler carbohydrates.
- Classified by the number of carbon atoms:
- Trioses (3 carbons)
- Tetroses (4 carbons)
- Pentoses (5 carbons)
- Hexoses (6 carbons)
Types of Carbohydrates and Formation
- Three major types:
- Monosaccharides: Single sugar units (e.g., glucose, fructose)
- Disaccharides: Composed of two monosaccharides (e.g., sucrose, lactose)
- Polysaccharides: Long chains of monosaccharides (e.g., starch, glycogen, cellulose)
- Formed through condensation reactions where monosaccharides link by glycosidic bonds.
Significance in Biological Systems
- Vital for energy storage and supply, structural components in cells, and participating in cell signaling.
- Serve as energy reserves (e.g., glycogen in animals, starch in plants) and contribute to various metabolic processes.
Distribution and Abundance in Nature
- Abundant in plants through photosynthesis; found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.
- Exists in nature as simple sugars, starches, and fibers, contributing significantly to the diet and ecology.
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