1.2 Carbohydrates: Introduction Flashcards
The elements that carbohydrates contain The role of carbohydrates in living organisms The different types of carbohydrates
What elements are found in carbohydrates?
Carbon (C), Oxygen (O) and Hydrogen (H)
What is the general formula for a carbohydrate?
Cx(H2O)y
What is the main role of carbohydrates?
Energy supply for cells
What are other roles of carbohydrates?
There are 5 you need to know
- Energy supply for cells - This is the main role of carbohydrates.
- Energy storage - Sugars can be stored as complex carbohydrates (e.g. starch or glycogen).
- Structural components - Cellulose and chitin are used in cell walls.
- Cellular recognition - Glycoproteins help cells identify each other and communicate.
- Building blocks for biological molecules - Deoxyribose and ribose can be used to make nucleic acids.
What are the three types of carbohydrates? Just check on cognito but prob correct
- Monosaccharides
- Disaccharides
- Polysaccharides
What are monosaccharides?
Carbohydrates with one sugar subunit
What are examples of monosaccharides? (Check cognito for the other examples)
Glucose
What is the main function of monosaccharides?
Energy source
What are disaccharides?
Carbohydrates with two sugar subunits
What are 3 examples of disaccharides?
- Maltose
- Sucrose
- Lactose
What is the main functions of disaccharides?
- Transport form
- Energy source
What are polysaccharides?
Carbohydrates with many sugar subunits
What are the 3 examples of polysaccharides?
- Starch (unbranched/branched)
- Glycogen
- Cellulose
What is the main functions of polysaccharides?
- Energy Storage
- Structural support
