13. Chemical composition of the cell. Basic chemical compounds. Carbohydrates

Question 1

General points about mono/poly/di saccharides?

Answer 1

• Monosaccharides and disaccharides are very small
• Polysaccharides are comparatively larger
• Monosaccharides and disaccharides are considered simple sugars
• The larger polysaccharides, are categorized as starches
• Made up of C,H ,O

Question 2

Carbohydrates key functions w/in the body?

Answer 2

Carbohydrates have key functions: Within the body 

• Energy production
  oThis is the primary role of carbohydrates
  oGlucose, a form of Carbohydrate, is broken down by glycolysis in an enzymatic reaction to release energy.
  This happens in mitochondria.
• Energy Storage
  oIf the body has enough energy then the excess glucose is stored as glycogen, stored in the muscle and liver.
• Building Macromolecules
  oSome glucose is converted to ribose and deoxyribose, essential components of RNA, DNA and ATP.
• Sparing the use of proteins for energy
  oIf there is not enough glucose in the body then proteins are metabolised for energy instead
• Helping in Lipid metabolism
  oIf you do not have enough Carbohydrates - Ketosis sets in, effectively preventing lipids from being metabolised
• Forming cell receptors on the membrane of cells
  oCells are coated in complex carbohydrates which have the potential to carry information required for cell-cell recognition.
  o These carbohydrates can also adhere cells together, important for intercellular activities.

Question 3

What is Ketosis?

Answer 3

KETOSIS:

KETOSIS IS A METABOLIC PROCESS THAT OCCURS WHEN THE BODY DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH GLUCOSE FOR ENERGY. STORED FATS ARE BROKEN DOWN FOR ENERGY, RESULTING IN A BUILD-UP OF ACIDS CALLED KETONES WITHIN THE BODY.