Carbohydrates Overview

Study Notes

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are organic compounds primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Their general formula is (CH₂O)ₙ.
They are classified into monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides based on their complexity.
Monosaccharides are the simplest carbohydrates, serving as the basic building blocks. Examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose. They are soluble in water and have a sweet taste.
Disaccharides are formed by the condensation of two monosaccharides. Examples include sucrose (glucose + fructose), lactose (glucose + galactose), and maltose (glucose + glucose).
Polysaccharides are formed by the polymerization of many monosaccharides. Examples include starch (energy storage in plants), glycogen (energy storage in animals), and cellulose (structural component in plant cell walls). Starch and glycogen are similar in structure but differ in their branched arrangements.
Carbohydrates are an essential source of energy for living organisms, providing fuel for cellular processes.
They also play structural roles in organisms, such as cellulose providing support in plant cell walls.

Lipids

Lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic organic molecules, insoluble in water.
They are primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but often contain smaller amounts of phosphorus.
Triglycerides are a major type of lipid, composed of a glycerol molecule and three fatty acid chains. They are the primary form of energy storage in animals. Fatty acids can be saturated or unsaturated, with saturated fats containing only single bonds between carbon atoms and unsaturated fats containing one or more double bonds. Unsaturated fats are often liquid at room temperature (oils).
Phospholipids are another important type of lipid, essential components of cell membranes. They have a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid tails, and a phosphate head group. This dual nature allows them to form bilayers in water.
Steroids are a class of lipids characterized by a four-ring structure. Cholesterol is a crucial steroid, important for membrane fluidity and serving as a precursor to other steroid hormones.
Lipids have various functions in organisms, including energy storage, insulation, structural components of cell membranes, and hormone production. Their hydrophobic nature makes them key for creating barriers against water.

Description

This quiz covers the structure and classification of carbohydrates, focusing on monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Explore examples, function, and importance of carbohydrates in biological systems.