3.3 Carbohydrates Flashcards
What are carbohydrates?
They are molecules that only contain the elements carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
What does carbohydrate mean?
Hydrated carbon.
What is the ratio of elements in carbohyrdates?
Cx(H2O)y
What are carbohydrates also known as?
Saccharides or sugars.
What is a monosaccharide?
A single sugar unit
Name examples of monosaccharides
Glucose, fructose and ribose
What happens when 2 monosaccharides link together?
They form a disaccharide
Name examples of disaccharides
Lactose and sucrose.
What happens when more than 2 monosaccharides join together?
They form a polymer called polysaccharide.
Name examples of polysaccharides.
Glycogen, cellulose and starch
What is the chemical formula of Glucose
C6H12O6
What type of monosaccharide is glucose?
Hexose monosaccharide
Describe the molecular structure of glucose
The carbons are numbered clockwise, beginning with the carbon to the right (clockwise) of the oxygen atom within the ring.
What are the two variations of glucose?
Alpha and beta
What is the difference between alpha and beta glucose?
The OH (hydroxyl) group on carbon 1 is in opposite positions.