Semester 2-
Biochemistry
notes
Week 1: Monosaccharides
Part 1
Carbohydrate Structure & Function
, What are carbohydrates?
The most abundant biomolecules on earth
Initially synthesized in plants from a complex series of reactions involving
photosynthesis
So called because the glucose was thought to be a hydrated form of carbon C 6(H20)6
Have the general formula (CH20)n or Cn(H20)n or CnH2nOn [where n≥3]
- Same number of Carbons & Oxygens but double the amount of Hydrogens.
- Carbohydrates are abundant as they are found in plants. Mammals, bacteria, fungi.
- Glucose (a popular carbohydrate) is produced by plants, through photosynthesis.
- When glucose was first purified, it was determined that it contained C6 O6 H12.
- The name carbohydrate means "watered carbon" or carbon with attached water
molecules.
What are carbohydrates’ functions?
Storage of energy
Structural
Specialised roles when modified or complexed with other macromolecules
(glycoproteins, glycolipids
- Functions include energy storage, structural definitely & protection against
desiccations.
- Larger carbohydrates have a specialised role.
- Carbohydrates can be associated with other macromolecules. Examples are
glycolipids and glycoproteins.
Content
Simple carbohydrates
Linkages
Carbohydrate polymers
Modified/specialised carbohydrates.
Types of unmodified carbohydrates
Monosaccharides - simple sugars
- Simplest building block of carbohydrates.
Biochemistry
notes
Week 1: Monosaccharides
Part 1
Carbohydrate Structure & Function
, What are carbohydrates?
The most abundant biomolecules on earth
Initially synthesized in plants from a complex series of reactions involving
photosynthesis
So called because the glucose was thought to be a hydrated form of carbon C 6(H20)6
Have the general formula (CH20)n or Cn(H20)n or CnH2nOn [where n≥3]
- Same number of Carbons & Oxygens but double the amount of Hydrogens.
- Carbohydrates are abundant as they are found in plants. Mammals, bacteria, fungi.
- Glucose (a popular carbohydrate) is produced by plants, through photosynthesis.
- When glucose was first purified, it was determined that it contained C6 O6 H12.
- The name carbohydrate means "watered carbon" or carbon with attached water
molecules.
What are carbohydrates’ functions?
Storage of energy
Structural
Specialised roles when modified or complexed with other macromolecules
(glycoproteins, glycolipids
- Functions include energy storage, structural definitely & protection against
desiccations.
- Larger carbohydrates have a specialised role.
- Carbohydrates can be associated with other macromolecules. Examples are
glycolipids and glycoproteins.
Content
Simple carbohydrates
Linkages
Carbohydrate polymers
Modified/specialised carbohydrates.
Types of unmodified carbohydrates
Monosaccharides - simple sugars
- Simplest building block of carbohydrates.
