monosaccharides + carbohydrates Flashcards
1
Q
what is a monosaccharide
A
simplest form of sugar and the most basic unit from which all carbohydrates are built
2
Q
functions of carbohydrates
A
- energy source
- energy store (starch + glycogen)
- structural support
- recognition of molecules outside a cell
3
Q
what is the structure of a monosaccharide
A
carbon backbone made of 3,4,5, or 6 carbon atoms
- one carbon forms a double bond with an oxygen atom
- the other carbons in the chain are bonded to one hydrogen atom and one hydroxyl group (OH)
4
Q
what is the difference between alpha and beta glucose
A
only differ in the position of the hydroxyl group on carbon 1.
beta has its OH group attached above the ring, whereas alpha is below.
5
Q
what is isomerism
A
molecules that have the same molecular formula but have a different arrangement of atoms.
6
Q
which type of bond joins monosaccharides together
A
glycosidic bonds
