Flashcard Carbohydrates and Lipids

Front

What are carbohydrates?

Back

Carbohydrates are biomolecules made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and they serve as a primary source of energy for the body.

Front

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in living organisms?

Back

The primary function of carbohydrates is to provide fast energy for cellular processes.

Front

What are the main types of carbohydrates?

Back

The main types of carbohydrates are monosaccharides (simple sugars), disaccharides (two sugars), and polysaccharides (many sugars).

Front

What is a common example of a monosaccharide?

Back

Glucose is a common example of a monosaccharide.

Front

What are lipids?

Back

Lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic biomolecules, including fats, oils, and waxes, that are primarily used for long-term energy storage and structural components of cell membranes.

Front

What is the main function of phospholipids?

Back

Phospholipids primarily make up the cell membrane, forming a bilayer that protects and organizes the cell.

Front

What are the components of a phospholipid?

Back

A phospholipid consists of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid tails, and a phosphate group.

Front

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?

Back

Saturated fats have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds.

Front

What role do lipids play in insulation?

Back

Lipids provide insulation by forming a layer that helps retain body heat.

Front

What is the significance of carbohydrates in plant structure?

Back

Carbohydrates, specifically cellulose, provide structural support in plant cell walls.