Carbohydrates 1.2 Flashcards
What are carbohydrates classified as?
Key energy yielding nutrient for the body
What are the three key nutrient groups that form macronutrients?
- Proteins
- Fats
- Carbohydrates
How is energy for food measured?
In Kilojoules
What is the conversion factor from Calories to Kilojoules?
1 Calorie = 4.2 Kilojoules
How many Kilojoules are in one gram of carbohydrates?
16.7 Kilojoules per gram
What is the primary unit of carbohydrates?
Glucose
What is the key energy source for the human brain?
Glucose, requiring ~130g per day
What is a saccharide?
Also known as carbohydrates, sugars, and fibres
What is a monosaccharide?
Simple sugars, one unit of sugar
What are the three components that make up carbohydrates?
- Glucose
- Fructose
- Galactose
What is fructose typically found in?
Fruits, vegetables, and honey
What is galactose sourced from?
Milk (digestion of lactose)
What are disaccharides?
Molecules made up of two monosaccharides
Why can’t disaccharides be absorbed by the intestine?
They must be broken down by enzymes
What are examples of disaccharides?
- Sucrose
- Lactose
- Maltose
What is sucrose composed of?
Glucose and fructose
Which enzyme breaks down lactose?
Lactase
What is maltose made from?
Two glucose sugars
What qualifies as complex carbohydrates?
Any saccharide over 2 units in length
What are oligosaccharides?
Contain three to 10 monosaccharide units
What are the three main types of polysaccharides?
- Glycogen
- Starch
- Fibre
What are the two key types of polysaccharides?
- Plant-based
- Human-based
What is the role of glycogen in animals?
Energy storage molecule
How much glycogen is stored in the human body?
~600g
