The chemistry of life: Carbohydrates Flashcards
What makes up carbohydrates?
Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
What are carbohydrates in their smallest form?
Monosaccharides
How many atoms form the carbon skeleton of the molecule?
3-7 carbon atoms create the carbon skeleton
When in water, what structure do monosaccharides form
Ring structure
How do monosaccharides create disaccharides?
Through condensation
What are polysaccharides and how are they formed?
Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates created by many monosaccharides
What three polysaccharides are created through glucose?
Starch, cellulose, glycogen
Why is starch useful for humans?
Acts as a source of food
What form can starch create?
A ring-like structure
Why is starch useful for plants?
Starch is used to store energy and matter
Why do plants use cellulose?
Cellulose adds structure to the plant’s cell wall
Why can’t humans digest cellulose?
Humans can’t digest cellulose because of the way glucose is structured
What role does cellulose play in the human body?
Cellulose is fiber for the human body
