Carbohydrates: Types and Functions

Types of Carbohydrates

• Simple Carbohydrates (Sugars):
  • Monosaccharides (single sugar molecules): glucose, fructose, galactose
  • Disaccharides (two sugar molecules): sucrose (table sugar), lactose (milk sugar), maltose
• Complex Carbohydrates (Polysaccharides):
  • Oligosaccharides (3-10 sugar molecules): raffinose, stachyose
  • Polysaccharides (more than 10 sugar molecules): starch, glycogen, cellulose, chitin

Functions of Carbohydrates

• Energy Source: broken down into glucose, which is used by cells for energy production
• Structural Role: provide structure and support for cells and tissues (e.g., cellulose in plant cell walls)
• Glycogen Storage: stored in liver and muscles for quick energy release

Sources of Carbohydrates

• Plant-based Sources: fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes
• Animal-based Sources: milk, honey, dairy products

Digestion and Absorption of Carbohydrates

• Mouth: salivary amylase breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars
• Small Intestine: pancreatic amylase and brush border enzymes break down carbohydrates into simple sugars
• Absorption: simple sugars absorbed into bloodstream through intestinal walls

Importance of Carbohydrates

• Primary Energy Source: provide energy for brain, nervous system, and red blood cells
• Fiber: promotes digestive health, satiety, and blood sugar control
• Essential for Health: inadequate carbohydrate intake can lead to fatigue, weakness, and impaired cognitive function

Carbohydrates

Classification

• Simple Carbohydrates (Sugars) consist of monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, galactose) and disaccharides (sucrose, lactose, maltose)
• Complex Carbohydrates (Polysaccharides) include oligosaccharides (raffinose, stachyose) and polysaccharides (starch, glycogen, cellulose, chitin)

Functions

Energy Production

• Broken down into glucose for energy production in cells

Structural Role

• Provide structure and support for cells and tissues (e.g., cellulose in plant cell walls)

Glycogen Storage

• Stored in liver and muscles for quick energy release

Sources

Plant-based Sources

• Include fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes

Animal-based Sources

• Include milk, honey, dairy products

Digestion and Absorption

Mouth

• Salivary amylase breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars

Small Intestine

• Pancreatic amylase and brush border enzymes break down carbohydrates into simple sugars

Absorption

• Simple sugars absorbed into bloodstream through intestinal walls

Importance

Primary Energy Source

• Provide energy for brain, nervous system, and red blood cells

Fiber

• Promotes digestive health, satiety, and blood sugar control

Essential for Health

• Inadequate carbohydrate intake can lead to fatigue, weakness, and impaired cognitive function

This quiz covers the different types of carbohydrates, including simple and complex carbohydrates, and their functions in the body.