Structure of Carbohydrates Flashcards
What are the primary elements that make up carbohydrates?
Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
What is the primary energy source that carbohydrates are metabolized into?
Glucose.
How do small mono- and disaccharides affect the physical properties of water?
They increase boiling point, decrease freezing point, and reduce water activity (fugacity).
Do oligo- and polysaccharides have colligative properties?
No
What role do carbohydrates play in the structure of cell walls?
They help hold cell walls together.
Name two examples of carbohydrates that modify viscosity in foods.
Alginates and pectins.
What is the significance of post-translational modifications in carbohydrate biosynthesis?
They can alter the structure and function of carbohydrates.
What is the difference between how carbohydrates are utilized immediately and how they are stored?
Carbohydrates can be metabolized to glucose for immediate energy or stored for later use in forms like glycogen.
