Carbohydrates and Their Functions

Front

What is a carbohydrate?

Back

A carbohydrate is an organic molecule made of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) in a 1:2:1 ratio. It serves as a primary energy source for living organisms.

Front

What is the monomer of a carbohydrate?

Back

The monomer of a carbohydrate is a monosaccharide (simple sugar).

Front

List the pentose monosaccharides and their functions.

Back

Ribose – A component of RNA and ATP. Deoxyribose – A component of DNA.

Front

List the hexose monosaccharides and their functions.

Back

Glucose – Primary energy source for cells. Fructose – Found in fruits; converted to glucose in the body. Galactose – Component of lactose; converted to glucose in metabolism.

Front

List the disaccharides and their functions.

Back

Maltose (glucose + glucose) – Found in germinating grains; broken down into glucose. Lactose (glucose + galactose) – Found in milk; provides energy. Sucrose (glucose + fructose) – Table sugar; major energy source.

Front

List the polysaccharides and their functions.

Back

Starch – Storage form of glucose in plants. Glycogen – Storage form of glucose in animals. Cellulose – Structural component of plant cell walls (not digestible by humans). Chitin – Structural component in fungi and exoskeletons of arthropods.

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

An enzyme is a biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions without being consumed.

Front

What polysaccharide can humans not digest?

Back

Cellulose (humans lack the enzyme cellulase).

Front

What is the name of the reagent used to test for reducing sugars?

Back

Benedict’s reagent.

Front

What metal does Benedict's reagent contain?

Back

Copper (Cu²⁺).