Carbohydrates Overview and Classification

A group of carbonyl compounds (aldehydes or ketones) that also contain several hydroxyl groups.

The general formula for carbohydrates is (C.H2O)n, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.

Isomers have the same chemical formula but different structural arrangements. For example, fructose and glucose both have the formula C6H12O6, but their atoms are arranged differently.

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates and cannot be broken down further. They typically consist of 3-7 carbon atoms.

Disaccharides are formed when two monosaccharides join together through a glycosidic bond.

Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that consist of many monosaccharide units linked together. Examples include starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Glycogen is a branched polysaccharide that serves as the main storage form of glucose in animals. It is found primarily in the liver and muscles.

Starch is a polysaccharide that is a major storage form of glucose in plants. It is made up of two types of molecules: amylose and amylopectin.

Cellulose is a structural polysaccharide that forms the cell walls of plants. It is the most abundant organic compound on Earth.

Chitin is a structural polysaccharide that is found in the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans and the cell walls of fungi.

A type of bond that links monosaccharides together to form disaccharides and polysaccharides.

A type of enzyme found in the mouth and intestines that breaks down starch, a type of glucose polymer.

A type of transporter protein in intestinal mucosal cells that helps absorb glucose and galactose from the gut into the bloodstream.

A transporter protein in intestinal mucosal cells that helps absorb fructose from the gut into the bloodstream.

A type of transporter protein in the intestinal cells that helps move glucose from the intestines to the bloodstream.

A type of polysaccharide composed of glucose units joined by glycosidic bonds, with branched structures, making it suitable for rapid energy production.

A type of polysaccharide composed of linear chains of glucose units joined by glycosidic bonds.

A large molecule consisting of a core protein to which long chains of negatively charged glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are attached.

Long, unbranched polysaccharide chains composed of repeating disaccharide units, found in connective tissues and providing structural support.

Proteins to which oligosaccharides (glycans) are covalently attached, playing a role in cell recognition, cell signaling, and various other functions.

The process of adding sugar molecules (glycans) to proteins, modifying their functions and structures.

A substance found in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and various body fluids, providing lubrication and contributing to the gel-like nature of tissues.

A complex network of macromolecules that provides structural support, cell adhesion, and signaling functions in tissues.