Carbohydrates: Structure and Functions

Questions and Answers

Which of the following are macronutrients needed in large quantities by the body? (Select all that apply)

Proteins (correct)

Vitamins

Fats (correct)

Carbohydrates (correct)

Carbohydrates are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen atoms.

False

What is the general formula for carbohydrates?

(CH2O)n

Monosaccharides and disaccharides are generally _____ in water.

soluble Signup and view all the answers

What is the sweetest monosaccharide?

Fructose Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes involves the breakdown of disaccharides and polysaccharides into monosaccharides?

Hydrolysis Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of carbohydrates with their descriptions:

Monosaccharides = Simplest form of carbohydrates, like glucose Disaccharides = Formed by two monosaccharides, like sucrose Polysaccharides = Complex carbohydrates, like starch Glycogen = Storage form of glucose in animals Signup and view all the answers

Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that aids in digestion.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are glycoproteins?

Carbohydrates associated with proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary energy source for cells?

Glucose Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Macronutrients

Macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats required in large quantities.
They are vital for bodily formation, growth, and energy provision.
Macronutrients significantly contribute to body weight.

Introduction to Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are essential biomolecules found in all living organisms.
Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio, with the general formula (CH2O)n.
Common sources include grains, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products.

Properties of Carbohydrates

Physical Properties:
- Solubility: Monosaccharides and disaccharides are water-soluble; polysaccharides are less soluble and cellulose is insoluble.
- Sweetness: Sweetness varies among monosaccharides; fructose is the sweetest, followed by sucrose, glucose, and galactose.
- Optical Activity: Carbohydrates can rotate polarized light, aiding in sugar identification.
- Crystallinity: Monosaccharides form crystalline structures; polysaccharides are generally amorphous.
Chemical Properties:
- Hydrolysis: Disaccharides/polysaccharides can be broken down into monosaccharides with water; enzymatic or acidic conditions facilitate this.
- Dehydration Synthesis: Monosaccharides combine to form larger carbohydrates by removing water, catalyzed by enzymes.
- Oxidation: Carbohydrates can be oxidized during cellular respiration to produce ATP, with tests available to detect reducing sugars.
- Fermentation: Sugars can undergo fermentation.

Biological Functions

Carbohydrates provide energy and help regulate blood glucose.
They spare proteins from being used for energy.
Involved in biological recognition processes through glycoproteins and glycolipids.
Constituent of nucleic acids and structural components of plant and bacterial cell walls.
Serve as flavor and sweeteners, and dietary fiber.

Types of Carbohydrates

Monosaccharides: Simplest form, include glucose (primary energy source), fructose (found in fruits), and galactose (part of lactose).
Disaccharides: Formed from two monosaccharides; examples include sucrose (glucose + fructose), lactose (glucose + galactose), and maltose (glucose + glucose).
Polysaccharides: Complex carbohydrates, categorized into:
- Storage Polysaccharides:
  - Starch (plant glucose storage, found in potatoes and rice).
  - Glycogen (animal glucose storage in liver and muscles).
- Structural Polysaccharides:
  - Cellulose (plant cell wall component).
  - Chitin (found in fungal cell walls and insect exoskeletons).

Role of Carbohydrates in the Body

Serve as the primary energy source with glucose broken down to produce ATP.
Excess glucose is stored as glycogen for future use.
Structural support is provided by cellulose and chitin.
Participate in cell signaling, affecting cellular communication.

Description

This quiz explores the essential role of carbohydrates as macronutrients. Learn about their structure, functions, and significance in providing energy and supporting growth in the body. Test your knowledge on how carbohydrates contribute to overall health and body weight.