Carbohydrates - Biological Molecules Flashcards
What elements do carbohydrates contain?
Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
What is the general formula of carbohydrates?
Cx(H2O)y
What are the types of carbohydrates?
- monosaccharides
- disaccharides
- polysaccharides
What are monosaccharides?
Simple sugars, they are the larger units from which larger carbohydrates can be made
Their general formula (CH2O)n where n is any number from 3-7
What is triose?
Has 3 carbon atoms
Formula: C3H6O3
What is pentose?
5 carbon atoms
Formula: C5H10O5
E.g. ribose, deoxyribose
What is hexose?
6 carbon atoms
Formula: C6H12O6
E.g. glucose, galactose, fructose
What is the structure of glucose?
Exist in straight chain or stable ring
The ring excises in alpha and beta forms
What is the structure of alpha glucose?
Carbon-1 has its hydroxyl group below the plain of the ring
What is the structure of beta glucose?
Carbon-1 has its hydroxyl group above the plane of the ring
Remember the difference between alpha and beta glucose
ABBA
alpha below
beta above
How to remember monomers?
Mavis fries greasy gammon
Monosaccharides
Fructose
Glucose
Galactose
What are all monosaccharides?
Reducing sugars
What are the functions of monosaccharides?
- Release energy during respiration
Hydrolysed and energy locked up in bonds is released and used to make ATP - Can join together to make larger carbohydrates
Which act as a store of energy and enter the composition of important cell structures
What are disaccharides?
Two monosaccharides are joined by a glycosidic bond
What reaction forms disaccharides?
A condensation reaction
2 -OH groups lose a water molecule between them
What is maltose made from?
A-glucose + a-glucose
What is sucrose made from?
A-glucose + fructose