Carbohydrates PDF

# 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.