Carbohydrates

• What are carbohydrates composed of?

  Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.
• What is the general formula for carbohydrates?

  The general formula for carbohydrates is $(\text{CH}_2\text{O})_n$.
• What are carbohydrates also known as?

  Carbohydrates are also known as saccharides or sugars.
• What is the primary function of carbohydrates in living organisms?

  Carbohydrates serve as a major source of energy for living organisms.
• How can carbohydrates be classified?

  Carbohydrates can be classified as simple (sugars) or complex (starches and fiber).
• What are monosaccharides?


  Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates and the building blocks for more complex carbohydrates.
• What is the general formula for monosaccharides?

  The general formula for monosaccharides is $C_n(\text{H}_2\text{O})_n$, where n is typically 3-7.
• Name three examples of monosaccharides.

  Examples of monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose.
• What is the structure of glucose?


  The structure of glucose is represented as $\text{CH}_2\text{OH}-(\text{CHOH})_4-\text{CHO}$.
• What are disaccharides?


  Disaccharides are carbohydrates formed when two monosaccharides join together through condensation or dehydration synthesis.
• What type of bond forms between two monosaccharides in a disaccharide?

  The bond that forms between two monosaccharides in a disaccharide is called a glycosidic bond.
• What happens during the formation of sucrose from glucose and fructose?

  During the formation of sucrose, glucose and fructose join together, releasing a water molecule.
• What are polysaccharides?


  Polysaccharides are large, complex carbohydrates formed by the linking of many monosaccharide units.
• Name the main types of polysaccharides.

  Main types of polysaccharides include starch, glycogen, cellulose, and chitin.
• What is the function of storage polysaccharides like starch and glycogen?

  Storage polysaccharides like starch and glycogen are often branched for easy breakdown and energy release.
• What is the function of structural polysaccharides like cellulose and chitin?

  Structural polysaccharides like cellulose and chitin are usually unbranched for strength and support.
• What are the key functions of carbohydrates in living organisms?

  Key functions of carbohydrates include energy source, energy storage, structural support, cell recognition, nucleic acid component, and protein modification.
• What is the primary energy source for most cells?

  Glucose is the preferred energy source for most cells.
• What are glycoproteins and their role in living organisms?

  Glycoproteins play roles in cell signaling and immune responses.
• What is the role of ribose and deoxyribose in nucleic acids?

  Ribose is a component of RNA, while deoxyribose is a component of DNA.
• What is the most likely function of a highly branched polysaccharide that is easily broken down by enzymes in a plant?

  The most likely function is energy storage, similar to how plants store energy in starch.