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Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of glucose in plants?
What is the effect of consuming too many calories from carbohydrates?
What is the primary function of glucose in human cells?
What is the nutritional value of added caloric sweeteners?
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What is the average amount of added caloric sweeteners consumed by an American in 2018?
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What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the human body?
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What is the process by which plants make carbohydrates?
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What is the byproduct of the process by which plants make carbohydrates?
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What is the term for the complex carbohydrates that include many simple carbohydrate molecules?
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Why do humans have a natural preference for sweet-tasting foods?
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What is the term for the simple carbohydrates that include glucose?
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What is the energy source used by plants to make carbohydrates?
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What is the role of glucose in the human body?
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Study Notes
Introducing Carbohydrates
- Carbohydrates are a class of nutrients that provide energy for cells.
- Humans, even newborns, have a natural preference for sweet-tasting foods due to the presence of carbohydrates.
Types of Carbohydrates
- Simple carbohydrates (sugars) include glucose, which is a primary energy source for human cells.
- Complex carbohydrates include starches and dietary fiber, which are composed of many simple carbohydrate molecules.
Carbohydrate Production in Plants
- Plants produce carbohydrates by combining carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms from carbon dioxide and water using the sun's energy.
- This process, known as photosynthesis, stores energy in the bonds of carbon and hydrogen atoms, which can be broken down by human cells to release energy.
- Oxygen gas is released as a byproduct of photosynthesis.
- Plants can use glucose to produce fiber, starch, and other sugars.
Carbohydrate Consumption
- On average, each American consumes around 73 pounds of added caloric sweeteners per year, including honey, high-fructose corn syrup, and table sugar.
- Consuming excessive calories from carbohydrates can lead to extra body fat.
Importance of Carbohydrates
- Carbohydrates play a crucial role in the body, providing energy for various cellular functions, including muscle contraction, compound synthesis, and bone tissue development.
- Human cells require glucose for energy production.
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Description
Learn about the two major types of carbohydrates, how plants produce them, and their roles in the human body. Discover the importance of carbohydrates in our daily lives.
