Summary

This document provides a detailed explanation of carbohydrates, covering monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides, starch, glycogen, and cellulose. It explains their structures, functions, and examples. The document also discusses the differences between alpha and beta glucose, emphasizing the importance of these molecules in biological systems.

Full Transcript

# Carbohydrates ## Monosaccharides - Only one sugar. They are the simplest carbohydrates. - Characterized by sweet taste. - Have several polar-OH groups, so they are soluble in water. Hydrophilic ### Examples - Glucose - Ribose - Deoxyribose - Fructose - Galactose ## Disaccharides - Two sugar unit...

# Carbohydrates ## Monosaccharides - Only one sugar. They are the simplest carbohydrates. - Characterized by sweet taste. - Have several polar-OH groups, so they are soluble in water. Hydrophilic ### Examples - Glucose - Ribose - Deoxyribose - Fructose - Galactose ## Disaccharides - Two sugar units bonded together ### Examples - Maltose (glucose + glucose) - Sucrose (glucose + fructose) - Lactose (glucose + galactose) - Disaccharides are formed in condensation reactions. ## Polysaccharides - Polyssacharids as energy storage compounds: ### Starch - Is used in plants #### Structure - Composed of two main components: Amylose with α-glucose units, and Amylopectin with branched chains. - Amylose consist of α(1→4) linked glucose molecules forming a helical structure. Linear structure - Amylopectin consist of α(1→4) linkages in the linear parts, and α(1→6) linkages allowing more compact storage. Branched #### Function - **Energy storage:** to preserve energy in plants, stored in roots, tubers and seeds. - **Slow Release:** slow and steady release of glucose when broken down by enzymes during digestion or metabolism. #### Found in - Root vegetables: potatoes, carrots… - Grains: rice, wheat, corn… - Legumes: beans, lentils… - Seeds: nuts, quinoa… ### Glycogen - Is used in animals #### Structure - Composed of α(1→4) linkages for branching, with every 8-72 glucose units. Results in a highly branched tree-like structure, facilitating rapid glucose mobilization. #### Function - **Energy Storage:** reserve in animals in their liver and muscles. - **Rapid Mobalization:** quick release of glucose when energy is needed, during intense physical activity or fasting. #### Found in - Meats - Seafood - Animal organs ## Cellulose - No energy storage! #### Structure - Long chain of β-D-glucose units linked by β(1→4) glycosidic bonds. - The chains are unbranched allowing them to form tight hydrogen bonds with each other. - The chains are aggregate to form microfibrils, the further organized into fibers, that provides rigidity. - Has regions of crystalline and amorphous structure, contributing to its strength and stability. #### Function - **Structural Support:** provides strength the cell walls. - **Water Resistance:** contributes to water retention capability of plants. - **Digestibility:** is not digestible by humans, it serves as dietary fiber promoting digestive health - **Raw Material:** itsa major source of biofuel in industries for products #### Found in - Foods - Fruits and vegetables - Legumes - Whole Grains. - Nuts and seeds - Organisms - Plants - Bacteria - Fungi - Herbivores ## Carbohydrates - Polymers are broked apart through a hydrolysis reaction (it's solvable in water) - **Difference of Alpha glucose and Beta glulose:** is that the hydroxyl group down in Alpha and up in Beta. - Carbohydrates are able to soluble, in water.

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