Lesson 3: Carbohydrates Flashcards
What are macromolecules?
Large molecules with complex structures
What are polymers?
Chains/repeating units composed of smaller molecules held by covalent bonds
What are monomers?
Smaller molecules that make up polymers
What are the four main biologically important macromolecules?
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Proteins
- Nucleic acids
What elements do carbohydrates always contain?
C, H, and O
What is the general formula for carbohydrates?
(CH₂O)n
What functional groups do carbohydrates typically contain?
- Hydroxyl (OH)
- Carbonyl (C=O)
What is the primary function of carbohydrates?
Provide energy upon digestion
Cell recognition (blood antigens)
What does ‘mono’ and ‘saccharide’ mean?
‘Mono’ means one, ‘saccharide’ means sugar
What are examples of monosaccharides?
- Glucose
- Galactose
- Fructose
What are isomers?
Molecules with the same molecular formula but different structures
What is the molecular formula for glucose, galactose, and fructose?
C₆H₁₂O₆
What type of bond forms between two monosaccharides?
Glycosidic linkage
What is formed when glucose and fructose combine?
Sucrose
What is formed when glucose and galactose combine?
Lactose
What is formed when two glucose molecules combine?
Maltose
What is dehydration synthesis?
The process that forms a glycosidic bond between monosaccharides
What is an example of a polysaccharide produced by plants?
Starch (amylose)
What enzyme digests starch?
Amylase
What is the function of cellulose in plants?
Gives structure and adds fiber to the diet
What is glycogen?
An energy storage polysaccharide produced by animals
What happens to glycogen synthesis in liver cells after a meal?
It synthesizes glycogen to maintain blood glucose levels
What is the process that occurs during the digestion of starch?
Hydrolysis of the glycosidic bond
What is chitin?
A carbohydrate example found in the exoskeleton of arthropods
True or False: Glycogen is produced by plants.
False
Fill in the blank: The bond formed between monosaccharides is called a _______.
glycosidic linkage
