5 Carbohydrates Flashcards
What are the four important biological macromolecules?
Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
What are carbohydrates, and why are they important?
Carbohydrates are molecules used for energy (e.g., glucose, sucrose) and as structural components in cells.
How do carbohydrates help in cellular communication?
Carbohydrates on cell membranes help cells communicate with nearby cells.
What is a monosaccharide?
The simplest sugar with the formula CnH2nOn.
What are the common types of monosaccharides?
- Triose (3-carbon): Glyceraldehyde (C₃H₆O₃)
- Pentose (5-carbon): Ribose (C₅H₁₀O₅)
- Hexose (6-carbon): Fructose (C₆H₁₂O₆)
What do linear monosaccharides contain?
A carbonyl group.
What is the difference between aldose and ketose sugars?
- Aldose: Monosaccharides with an aldehyde group.
- Ketose: Monosaccharides with a ketone group.
What is an isomer?
A molecule with the same formula but different atom arrangements.
What are anomers?
Cyclic isomers with the same connectivity but different 3D arrangements.
What is galactosemia?
A genetic condition where the body cannot metabolize galactose.
What is lactose intolerance?
The inability to digest lactose due to insufficient lactase enzyme.
What is a disaccharide?
A sugar made by joining two monosaccharides through dehydration synthesis.
What is a glycosidic bond?
The -C-O-C- bond linking monosaccharides in larger molecules.
What is an oligosaccharide, and what is its role?
A molecule made of 2–10 monosaccharides, acting as receptors or markers for cell communication.
What is a polysaccharide?
A large molecule made by linking many monosaccharides.
What is a complex carbohydrate?
A very large polysaccharide containing up to thousands of monosaccharides.
What is a polymer?
A large molecule made of repeating smaller units called monomers.
What is glycogen, and where is it stored?
Glycogen is a glucose storage molecule found in the liver and muscles.
What is hypoglycemia?
A blood-glucose level below the normal range (< 60 mg/dL).
What is hyperglycemia?
A blood-glucose level above the normal range (> 200 mg/dL).
What are the causes of chronic hyperglycemia?
- Type 1 Diabetes: Body doesn’t produce insulin.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Body doesn’t respond properly to insulin.
Why is cellulose indigestible for humans?
Humans lack the enzyme to break the β-1,4-glycosidic bonds in cellulose.
What can happen to the body on a low-carb diet?
- Less bloating
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Muscle loss
- Malnutrition (if not managed properly)
