Carbohydrates Flashcards
What is a monosaccharide?
The most basic monomer of a carbohydrate.
What are structural isomers?
Same molecular formula, different arrangement of atoms in space.
Name 3 monosaccharides.
Galactose, Glucose, Fructose
What is the difference between alpha glucose and beta glucose?
The OH group is found below the H in alpha glucose.
The OH group is found above the H in beta glucose.
What is a disaccharide?
2 monosaccharides held together by a glycosidic bond, formed in a condensation reaction.
What is a condensation reaction?
A reaction that joins 2 or more monomers together while eliminating a water molecule.
Name 3 disaccharides.
Maltose, Sucrose, Lactose
a Glucose + a Glucose
Maltose
a Glucose + Fructose
Sucrose
a Glucose + Galactose
Lactose
What is a hydrolysis reaction?
A reaction that breaks up a polymer, requiring water
What are polysaccharides?
Large sugar molecules containing 2+ monomers joined together, formed by the condensation of many monomers.
Name 3 polysaccharides.
Starch, Glycogen, Cellulose
What is the function of starch?
Energy store in plant cells.
What 2 molecules make up starch?
Amylose and amylopectin.
Describe the structure of amylose.
Straight molecule with C1-C4 glycosidic bonds.
Describe the structure of amylopectin.
Branched molecule made of a glucose with C1-C4 and C1-C6 glycosidic bonds.
What property of starch makes it compact for cell storage?
Helical, meaning it can coil tightly for maximum storage in cells.
Why can’t starch leave cells?
It’s large.
Why won’t starch affect the water potential of cells?
It is insoluble, so there is no osmotic effect.
What is the function of glycogen?
Energy store in animal cells.
Describe the structure of glycogen.
Branched molecule made of a glucose, with glycosidic bonds at C1-C4 and C1-C6.
What are the benefits of glycogen being branched?
It can be rapidly hydrolysed back into a glucose so it can be used in respiration to release energy.
Why is glycogen unable to leave the cell?
It is a large polysaccharide.
