Structure and function of monosaccharides

• What do monosaccharides form the building blocks of?

  More complex carbohydrates
• What elements do monosaccharides consist of?

  Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
• What is the ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in monosaccharides?

  1:2:1
• What are the roles of monosaccharides?

  • Basic energy source
  • Structural components
• How does the structure of glucose allow it to be an efficient energy source for the body?

  The cyclic structure and multiple hydroxyl groups allow for efficient storage and release of energy through metabolic processes
• What is attached to each carbon atom in glucose?

  At least one hydroxyl group (OH)
• What are the ring types and distinctive features of glucose, fructose, and galactose?

  • Glucose: Hexagonal, OH group facing down
  • Fructose: Pentagonal, CH2OH group vertical
  • Galactose: Hexagonal, OH group position varied
• What are the structural features of glucose?

  • 6 carbon atoms
  • 1 carbonyl group (C=O)
  • 5 hydroxyl groups (OH)
  • Cyclic structure
• What is the role of glucose in the body?

  • Primary source of energy for cells
  • Stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles
  • Involved in various metabolic processes
• How many carbon atoms are in the ring of glucose?

  Five carbon atoms
• What is the carbon atom outside the ring in glucose represented as?

  CH2OH
• What type of sugar is glucose classified as?

  Hexose sugar
• What are the three main monosaccharides in biology?

  Glucose, fructose, galactose
• What type of structure does glucose form?

  Six-membered ring structure
• How do monosaccharides serve as an energy source?

  They provide immediate energy through oxidation
• What are the key features of glucose's structure?

  • Six-membered ring structure
  • Five carbon atoms in the ring
  • One carbon atom outside the ring (CH2OH)
  • Each carbon has at least one hydroxyl group (OH)
  • Hydrogen atoms complete the bonding
• What completes the bonding of carbon atoms in glucose?

  Hydrogen atoms
• What is the chemical structure of β-glucose?

  A cyclic structure with 6 carbon atoms, 1 oxygen atom, and multiple hydroxyl groups
• What structural role do monosaccharides play in nucleic acids?

  They are part of nucleotides in DNA/RNA
• How do monosaccharides act as precursors in living organisms?

  They serve as raw materials for synthesizing other molecules
• What is the main difference between alpha and beta glucose?

  Position of the hydroxyl group on carbon 1
• What is the C1 substituent configuration in alpha glucose?

  H below, OH above
• What are the functions of monosaccharides in living organisms?

  • Energy source: Immediate energy through oxidation
  • Energy storage: Component of disaccharides and polysaccharides
  • Structure: Part of nucleotides in DNA/RNA
  • Precursor: Raw materials for synthesizing other molecules
• In alpha glucose, where is the hydroxyl group positioned?

  Down (below the ring)
• What is the C1 substituent configuration in beta glucose?

  OH below, H above
• What are the key differences between the structures of α-glucose and β-glucose?

  • α-glucose has the hydroxyl group on the anomeric carbon in the axial position
  • β-glucose has the hydroxyl group on the anomeric carbon in the equatorial position
  • This difference in orientation affects the chemical and physical properties of the two glucose isomers
• How do the structures of α-glucose and β-glucose relate to their biological functions?

  • α-glucose is the primary form found in starch, a storage polysaccharide in plants
  • β-glucose is the primary form found in cellulose, a structural polysaccharide in plant cell walls
  • The differences in structure allow the two glucose isomers to serve different biological roles
• What is the chemical structure of α-glucose?

  A cyclic structure with 6 carbon atoms, 1 oxygen atom, and multiple hydroxyl groups
• How do monosaccharides contribute to energy storage?

  They are components of disaccharides and polysaccharides
• In beta glucose, where is the hydroxyl group positioned?

  Up (above the ring)
• Where is glycogen primarily stored in the body?

  In the liver and muscles