Biological functions of carbohydrates

Question 1

List the biological functions of carbohydrates

4

Answer 1

Heat and energy

Protein-sharing function

Fibre absorbs water

Excess converted to glycogen

Question 2

Describe the energy function of carbohydrates

Answer 2

Supply the body with heat and energy - keeps the body at 37 degrees - provides energy for activities

Question 3

Describe the protein-sharing function of carbohydrates

2

Answer 3

Carbs have a protein-sharing function

By consuming a sufficient amount of carbs, proteins can fulfil their primary function of growth and repair of cells, rather than being used to produce energy

Question 4

Describe the function that fibre has in the body

2

Answer 4

Fibre absorbs water as it passes through the intestinal tract and helps to stimulate peristalsis

This is beneficial to the body as it speeds up the passage of food and waste, preventing bowel disorders e.g. constipation

Question 5

Describe the function that excess carbohydrates has in the body
(2)

Answer 5

Excess carbohydrate intake is converted to glycogen and is stored in the liver and muscles as a long-term energy reserve

They may also be converted to fat and stored as adipose tissue under the skin, which insulates the body and acts as another energy reserve