Carbohydrates Flashcards
Define polymer
Giant molecule made from sub-units called monomers
Define macromolecule
Very large, biological molecule such as a protein, polysaccharide or nucleus acid
Define disaccharide
Two monosscharides joined together. Less reactive than monosaccharide
Eg. Sucrose and maltose.
Define polysaccharide
Many monosaccharides joined together.
Eg. Starch and glycogen
Define monomer
Used as the basic building block which condenses to form polymers.
Define isomers
Molecules that have the same chemical formula but different structural formula.
Define monosaccharide
Simple sugars that dissolve away easily and end in -OSE
(CH2O)n
Functions of monosaccharides
-used as a source of energy in respiration because of their many CH bonds
-used as building blocks for large molecules
-used to form RNA, ATP and DNA
What is alpha-glucose?
When the OH group on carbon 1 is below.
What is beta-glucose?
When the OH group in carbon 1 is above.
Define a condensation reaction:
A chemical reaction when two molecules are joined by the removal of a water molecule.
Define a hydrolysis reaction:
A chemical reaction in which a chemical bond is broken by the addition of a water molecule.
Why are monosaccharides stored as polysaccharides?
Because glucose is a very soluble reactive molecule so if it was stored as a monosaccharide it would dissolve or react and affect osmotic potential.
Polysaccharides are inert and insoluble as well as compact so they the most efficient.
What is starch made of?
A mixture of amylose (alpha-glucose molecules that are in branched with two terminal ends) and amylopectin (1,4 and 1,6 linked alpha glucose molecules that are branched with more terminal ends)
What is glycogen made of?
Short chains of 1,4 alpha glucose molecules with 1,6 linked branched chains.
