Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are one of the
main classes of biomolecules
found in living organisms. They
are organic compounds made
up of carbon (C), hydrogen (H),
and oxygen (O), usually with a hydrogen to oxygen ratio of 2:1,
just like in water (H₂O).
Carbohydrates are often called sugars or saccharides (from the
Greek word sakkharon, meaning sugar). They are an essential
source of energy for most living things. Plants produce
carbohydrates through photosynthesis, using sunlight, water,
and carbon dioxide.
Classification of Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates are mainly classified into three types:
, 1.Monosaccharides
2.Disaccharides
3.Polysaccharides
Monosaccharides:
These are the simplest carbohydrates, also known as simple
sugars. They cannot be broken down into smaller sugars by
hydrolysis. Common examples include glucose, fructose, and
galactose. Glucose is the most important monosaccharide
because it is the primary source of energy in cells.
Disaccharides:
These are formed when two monosaccharides join together by
a glycosidic bond. Examples are sucrose (table sugar), lactose
(milk sugar), and maltose (malt sugar). For example, sucrose is
made of glucose + fructose.
Polysaccharides:
These are complex carbohydrates formed by the linking of
many monosaccharide units. They serve as energy storage or
Carbohydrates are one of the
main classes of biomolecules
found in living organisms. They
are organic compounds made
up of carbon (C), hydrogen (H),
and oxygen (O), usually with a hydrogen to oxygen ratio of 2:1,
just like in water (H₂O).
Carbohydrates are often called sugars or saccharides (from the
Greek word sakkharon, meaning sugar). They are an essential
source of energy for most living things. Plants produce
carbohydrates through photosynthesis, using sunlight, water,
and carbon dioxide.
Classification of Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates are mainly classified into three types:
, 1.Monosaccharides
2.Disaccharides
3.Polysaccharides
Monosaccharides:
These are the simplest carbohydrates, also known as simple
sugars. They cannot be broken down into smaller sugars by
hydrolysis. Common examples include glucose, fructose, and
galactose. Glucose is the most important monosaccharide
because it is the primary source of energy in cells.
Disaccharides:
These are formed when two monosaccharides join together by
a glycosidic bond. Examples are sucrose (table sugar), lactose
(milk sugar), and maltose (malt sugar). For example, sucrose is
made of glucose + fructose.
Polysaccharides:
These are complex carbohydrates formed by the linking of
many monosaccharide units. They serve as energy storage or
