Macromolecules and Carbohydrates Overview

Very large molecules essential for living organisms. They are built from smaller subunits called monomers.

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. These four classes make up the majority of the molecules found in living organisms.

Sugars, starches, and fibers found in foods like fruits, grains, and vegetables. They are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.

The primary energy source for the body. Extra carbohydrates are stored as glycogen (in the liver) or as fat for later use.

Simple sugars with the general formula C6H12O6 (e.g., glucose, fructose, galactose). Monosaccharides are the building blocks for more complex carbohydrates.

When two monosaccharides bond together, they form a disaccharide through a dehydration reaction, also known as condensation reaction. This reaction involves the removal of a water molecule.

A glycosidic linkage is a type of covalent bond that connects two monosaccharide units in a disaccharide or a polysaccharide. This bond is formed by the removal of a water molecule (dehydration reaction).

Sucrose, lactose, and maltose are the three major disaccharides in our diet. They are formed by different combinations of two monosaccharides.

Sucrose is a disaccharide formed by the combination of glucose and fructose, linked by a glycosidic bond. It's commonly known as table sugar.

Lactose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and galactose, linked by a glycosidic bond. It's found in milk and dairy products.

Maltose is a disaccharide made up of two glucose molecules linked by a glycosidic bond. It's formed during the breakdown of starch and is also used in brewing.

Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates made up of long chains of monosaccharide units linked together by glycosidic bonds. Examples include starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Cellulose is a polysaccharide that forms the structural component of plant cell walls. Humans cannot digest it because we lack the necessary enzyme to break down the beta-1, 4-glycosidic linkages.

Indigestible plant material that provides fiber for digestion.

A type of polysaccharide found in plant cell walls, important for structure and providing fiber. Humans lack the enzymes to digest it.

A type of polysaccharide found in exoskeletons of insects and cell walls of fungi. It also has uses in surgical threads.

Complex carbohydrates that are digested by humans, providing energy.

Complex carbohydrates that are not digested by humans and provide fiber, which is important for digestion.

Glucose is a simple sugar with two isomers: α-glucose and β-glucose. In α-glucose, the OH group on carbon 1 is below the ring, while in β-glucose, the OH group is above the ring.

Galactose is a simple sugar isomer of glucose. It also forms a 6-member ring with its carbonyl group attached to carbon 1.

A condensation reaction that forms a glycosidic bond between two monosaccharides. This process involves the removal of a water molecule.

A polysaccharide that is our body's main way of storing glucose. It's stored in the liver and muscle cells.

The hydroxyl group on Carbon 5 bonds to the aldehyde carbon 1. It can form either alpha or beta linkage depending on the orientation of the hydroxyl group on Carbon 1.

A type of glycosidic linkage found in disaccharides. There are different types based on the position of the linkage and the orientation of the monosaccharides.

A type of complex carbohydrate made up of long chains of glucose molecules. It is the primary energy storage form in plants and is digestible by humans.

A type of complex carbohydrate that forms the structural component of plant cell walls. It is indigestible by humans, meaning our bodies cannot break it down for energy.

A complex carbohydrate that makes up the exoskeletons of insects and the cell walls of fungi. It can also be used to make surgical thread.

A type of polysaccharide that is not digested by humans. It is known as "fiber" and comes from plants. This fiber helps regulate bowel movements and supports digestion.

A type of polysaccharide that is digested by humans. It's a complex carbohydrate that provides energy for our bodies.