Carbohydrates 🍟 Flashcards
Where is cellulose found?
In plants.
Why can’t cellulose be broken down by our guts?
Humans don’t have the enzyme that breaks the glycosidic bonds.
What type of glucose is cellulose made up of?
Beta glucose.
What is the layout of the monosaccharides in cellulose?
Every other one is flipped by 180 degrees.
How do the chains run?
Straight and close to each other.
Where does cellulose get its strength?
The many hydrogen bonds that cross link chains form strong micofibrils that have high tensile strength.
What do microfibrils give cellulose?
A rigid and insoluble structure.
What is starch?
An energy storing molecule.
Where is starch found?
In plants.
What are the molecules that make up starch?
Alpha glucose.
How are starch molecules joined?
1,4 glycosidic bonds.
What is the shape of a starch chain?
Tightly coiled into a helix.
Can starch be broken down by our digestive system?
Yes.
How is starch broken down by amylase?
Amylase hydrolyses the glycosidic bonds.
Why is starch good as an energy source?
Insoluble, compact and can be hydrolysed into alpha glucose.
