What are Carbohydrates? Bloggernewstech
Outline
- Carbohydrates definition
- Carbohydrate general formula
- Groups of carbohydrates
- Monosaccharides
- Oligosaccharides
- Polysaccharides
- Function of carbohydrates
- Source of energy
- Storage molecules
- Structural building meterials
Definition of carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are organic compounds which contain either aldehyde or ketone (-C=O) as functional groups attached to one of the Carbon atoms and also contain two or more hydroxyl groups (-OH).
Examples of carbohydrates are glucose,sucrose,starch etc.
General formula of Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates have general empirical formula
(CH²O)². In carbohydrates carbon and oxygen are present in the same ratio as present in water 2:1.
Groups of Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are classified into three groups.
1. Monosaccharides
Monosaccharides are simple sugars that are made up of just one sugar molecule and can't be broken down into simpler units by hydrolysis. There are many different types of monosaccharides, but the most common are glucose, fructose, and galactose.
Monosaccharides are found in many plant and animal sources, but they're especially common in sweets like candy, cake, and ice cream. They're also used in many processed foods like breads, cereals, and snacks.
Monosaccharides are important for the body because they're involved in many metabolic processes. They're used as energy sources for cells and they're also important for the manufacturing of proteins and other important molecules.
2. Oligosaccharides
Oligosaccharides are carbohydrates that are composed of a few sugar molecules. Oligosaccharides form two to ten monosaccharides when hydrolyzed.
They are found in a variety of foods, including some fruits, vegetables, and grains. Some oligosaccharides are indigestible, meaning that our bodies cannot break them down. However, these indigestible oligosaccharides can serve as food for the good bacteria that live in our gut.
3.polysaccharides
Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate that are made up of long chains of sugar molecules. Polysaccharides form more than ten monomers of glucose unit when hydrolyzed.
They are a major component of plant cell walls and are also found in storage tissues such as starch granules. Polysaccharides are a major source of energy for living organisms and are also used in the biosynthesis of other important molecules such as DNA and RNA.
Polysaccharides are classified according to their chemical structure. The most common types are cellulose, glycogen, and chitin.
Functions of Carbohydrates
1. Source of energy
Carbohydrates are one of the main sources of energy for the body. The C-H bond is broken down during respiration and energy is formed. When we eat carbohydrates, they are broken down into glucose, which is then used by the body for energy.
The body can store glucose in the form of glycogen, which is then used as needed for energy. Glycogen is stored in the liver and muscles, and can be used for energy when needed.
2. Storage molecule
One of the most important roles of carbohydrates is to serve as storage molecules. It is stored in cell as reserve food. Carbohydrates are stored in the form of glycogen in the liver and muscles. When the body needs energy, glycogen is broken down and converted into glucose, which is then used by the cells for energy.
3. Structural building materials
Carbohydrates are an important structural component of cells, providing both structural support and regulatory functions. Cellulose and chitin are the two major types of carbohydrates that make up the cell walls of plants and animals, respectively. Glycogen and starch are storage carbohydrates that are found in the liver and muscles of animals, respectively.
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