Carbohydrates and Sugars

Front

What are carbohydrates composed of?

Back

Carbohydrates are macromolecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, in a ratio of 1:2:1.

Front

Why are carbohydrates polar molecules?

Back

Due to the unequal sharing of electrons in the –OH groups, carbohydrates are polar molecules that dissolve easily in water.

Front

What is the main function of carbohydrates in cells?

Back

Carbohydrates serve as the main energy source in all cells and provide structure in cells, especially in plasma membranes and cell walls.

Front

What are monosaccharides?

Back

Monosaccharides are the monomers that join in carbohydrates, also known as simple sugars.

Front

What suffix is used in the naming of sugars?

Back

The suffix -ose is used in the naming of sugars.

Front

What do the prefixes in monosaccharide names indicate?

Back

The prefixes in monosaccharide names indicate the number of carbon atoms present, e.g., pentose for five carbons, hexose for six carbons.

Front

What is an example of an important hexose?

Back

Glucose (C6H12O6) is an important hexose, with 6 carbons, 12 hydrogens, and 6 oxygens.

Front

What are some other hexoses formed from glucose?

Back

Other hexoses formed from glucose include fructose, the sugar found in fruit, and galactose, a part of the sugar found in milk.

Front

In what forms can the three-dimensional arrangement of monosaccharides occur?

Back

The three-dimensional arrangement of monosaccharides can occur in two forms: linear chains or cyclic rings.

Front

What is the most familiar disaccharide?

Back

The most familiar disaccharide is sucrose, or table sugar, which is formed when two monosaccharides and fructose bind together.