Carbohydrates Flashcards
What are monomers?
Smallest units that can be linked to form long chains.
Eg. Monosaccharides and amino acids.
What are polymers?
Molecules made from a large number of monomers. Formed with condensation.
Eg. Polysaccharides and polypeptides.
What are examples of monosaccharides?
Glucose, galactose, and fructose.
What bond is formed in a condensation reaction?
A glycosidic bond.
What do plants store glucose as?
Starch.
What the two polysaccharides called that make up starch?
Amylose and amylopectin.
What is the benefit of the branched form of Starch?
Enzymes can act on the ends letting glucose monomers to release.
Where is glycogen found?
Animals and bacteria.
What allows glycogen to be acted on by enzymes rapidly?
The large amounts of branches allows a-glucose monomers to be used in respiration.
What does the straight chains of cellulose allow?
Hydrogen bonds to form links between adjacent chains. (Lots of hydrogen bonds strengthen the chain).
What does cellulose group together to form?
Microfibrils and then Fibres.
What is the main function of cellulose?
Provide strength and rigidity to the plant.
