Synthesis and Breakdown of Polymers

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Questions and Answers

What type of molecule is cellulose classified as?

Disaccharide

Monosaccharide

Polysaccharide (correct)

Oligosaccharide

Which type of bonds hold parallel cellulose molecules together?

Hydrogen bonds (correct)

Ionic bonds

Van der Waals forces

Covalent bonds

What impact does cellulose have on human digestion?

It provides significant energy

It contributes to dietary fiber (correct)

It is converted to glucose

It is easily digested and absorbed

Which carbohydrate classification includes both simple sugars and double sugars?

Disaccharides Signup and view all the answers

Which carbon atoms are involved in hydrogen bonding within cellulose molecules?

Carbon atoms 3 and 6 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in animals and plants?

Energy storage Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of cellulose in plants?

Providing structural support Signup and view all the answers

In carbohydrate classification, which of the following is an example of a polysaccharide?

Cellulose Signup and view all the answers

How does cellulose primarily function in plants?

For structural support Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves the addition of water to break down polymers into monomers?

Hydrolysis Signup and view all the answers

What type of bond is primarily responsible for the structure of carbohydrates like cellulose?

Hydrogen bonds Signup and view all the answers

What is the general formula for carbohydrates, expressed as a ratio?

C:H:O in 1:2:1 Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of monosaccharides consists of three carbon atoms?

Triose sugars Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of all monosaccharides?

They can form isomers Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic type of isomerism involves compounds that are mirror images of each other?

Optical isomerism Signup and view all the answers

Which type of monosaccharide is characterized by having a six-carbon backbone?

Hexose sugars Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary function of monosaccharides in living organisms?

They are used as a source of energy in respiration Signup and view all the answers

Monosaccharides can be used to form larger molecules. Which of the following is NOT a carbohydrate polymer?

Glucose Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following properties is most commonly associated with monosaccharides?

Sweet tasting and water-soluble Signup and view all the answers

What is the main structural feature of aldoses when compared to ketoses?

Aldoses contain a carbonyl group at the end of the carbon chain Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Synthesis & Breakdown of Polymers

Dehydration reaction connects monomers by removing a water molecule, forming a bond.
Hydrolysis breaks polymers into monomers by adding a water molecule, creating an -OH group and an H atom at exposed sites.

Carbohydrates

Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio, represented as (CH2O)n.
Commonly sweet, water-soluble, and can crystallize, known as saccharides.
Serve vital functions such as energy storage in plants and animals and contribute to cellular structure.
Divided into three main classes: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Monosaccharides

Simplest carbohydrates, typically with 3 to 7 carbon atoms, often in 5 or 6-carbon backbones.
Can combine to form polymers and can be converted into isomers or other organic molecules.
Manifest in both linear and ring forms.

Properties of Monosaccharides

Generally sweet, water-soluble, and capable of forming crystalline structures.
Classified as reducing sugars, meaning they can act as reducing agents in reactions.

Function of Monosaccharides

Primary energy source for respiration and serve as building blocks for more complex molecules.

Classification of Monosaccharides

Classified based on carbon skeleton size and location of the carbonyl group:
- Triose sugars (C3H6O3)
- Pentose sugars (C5H10O5)
- Hexose sugars (C6H12O6)

Structural Isomerism

Structural isomers possess the same molecular formula but vary in atomic arrangement.
Geometrical isomers differ in spatial atomic arrangement and can exhibit optical isomerism (enantiomers), being mirror images of each other.

Examples of Monosaccharides

Aldoses include glyceraldehyde, ribose, glucose, and galactose.
Ketoses include dihydroxyacetone, ribulose, and fructose.

Cellulose Structure

Composed of parallel cellulose molecules interlinked by hydrogen bonds between hydroxyl groups on carbon atoms 3 and 6, contributing to plant cell structure.

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Description

This quiz explores the synthesis and breakdown processes of polymers, focusing on specific examples like glucose and starch. Learn how dehydration reactions lead to polymer formation and how they can be broken down into monomers. Test your understanding of these essential biochemical concepts.