Carbohydrates

Front

What is a carbohydrate?

Back

A carbohydrate is an organic compound made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in a ratio of 1:2:1. They are a primary source of energy for living organisms.

Front

What is the general formula for carbohydrates?

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The general formula for carbohydrates is Cn(H2O)n, where n is the number of carbon atoms.

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What are the three main types of carbohydrates?

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The three main types of carbohydrates are monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Front

What is a monosaccharide?

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A monosaccharide is the simplest form of carbohydrate, consisting of a single sugar molecule, such as glucose or fructose.

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What is a disaccharide?

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A disaccharide is a carbohydrate formed by the combination of two monosaccharides, such as sucrose (glucose + fructose) or lactose (glucose + galactose).

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What is a polysaccharide?

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A polysaccharide is a complex carbohydrate composed of long chains of monosaccharide units, such as starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Front

How do the number of hydrogen atoms compare to the number of oxygen atoms in carbohydrates?

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In carbohydrates, there are typically twice as many hydrogen atoms as there are oxygen atoms.

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What is the role of carbohydrates in living organisms?

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Carbohydrates serve as a primary source of energy, provide structural support in cells, and play a role in cell recognition and signaling.

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What is the difference between simple sugars and complex carbohydrates?

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Simple sugars (monosaccharides and disaccharides) are quickly absorbed and provide immediate energy, while complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides) take longer to digest and provide sustained energy.

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What is the process of forming a disaccharide from monosaccharides?

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The process of forming a disaccharide from monosaccharides is called dehydration synthesis, where a water molecule is removed to bond the two sugar molecules.