Carbohydrates play crucial biological roles in living organisms, serving as essential macromolecules with diverse functions. Some key biological roles of carbohydrates include: 1. Energy Source Glucose Metabolism: Carbohydrates, especially glucose, are a primary energy source for cellular processes through glycolysis and cellular respiration. Energy Storage: Excess glucose is converted into …
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Qualitative tests for carbohydrates
Qualitative tests for carbohydrates involve detecting the presence of specific functional groups or characteristics indicative of different types of carbohydrates. Here are some common qualitative tests for carbohydrates: 1. Benedict’s Test (Reducing Sugars) Principle: Detects reducing sugars that can reduce copper ions (Cu²⁺) to form a colored precipitate. Procedure: Mix …
Chemical Nature of Glycogen
1. Composition Monomers: Glycogen is a polysaccharide composed of glucose monomers. Linkages: It consists of α-D-glucose units linked by α-1,4-glycosidic bonds (linear chains) and α-1,6-glycosidic bonds (branch points). 2. Structure Linear Chains: The main structure of glycogen consists of linear chains of glucose molecules linked by α-1,4-glycosidic bonds. Branching: Branch …
Chemical Nature of Starch
1. Composition Monomers: Starch is a polysaccharide composed of glucose monomers. Types: It consists of two glucose polymers: amylose and amylopectin. 2. Amylose Structure: Amylose is a linear chain of α-D-glucose molecules linked by α-1,4-glycosidic bonds. Properties: It forms a helical structure due to the arrangement of glucose units. Solubility: …
Polysaccharides – Definition, Classification
Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates composed of multiple monosaccharide units linked together through glycosidic bonds. These macromolecules can vary in size and structure, ranging from a few hundred to thousands of monosaccharide residues. Common examples of polysaccharides include starch, glycogen, and cellulose. Polysaccharides serve various functions in living organisms, such as …
Sucrose – Definition, Structure
Sucrose, a disaccharide and a type of carbohydrate, comprises one molecule of glucose and one molecule of fructose linked together by an α,β-1,2-glycosidic bond. Sucrose, widely known as table sugar, is the most extensively consumed sugar by humans and is prevalent in many plants. In its crystalline form, sucrose is …
Lactose – Definiton Structure
Lactose is a disaccharide, a type of carbohydrate, composed of one molecule of glucose and one molecule of galactose linked together by a β-1,4-glycosidic bond. It is commonly found in the milk of mammals and is often referred to as milk sugar. Lactose is a significant energy source for infants, …
Disaccharides – Definition, Classification
Disaccharides consist of two monosaccharide units linked together by a glycosidic bond, forming a type of carbohydrate. Monosaccharides, the building blocks for disaccharides, are simple sugars. The process of forming a disaccharide involves a condensation reaction, eliminating a water molecule as the two monosaccharide units join together. Maltose Maltose is …
Galactose – Definition, Classification
Galactose is a monosaccharide, a simple sugar, and is classified as a hexose because it has six carbon atoms. It is structurally similar to glucose, which shares the same molecular formula (C6H12O6). However, the detailed structure of galactose involves a different arrangement of functional groups. Structural Formula In its Haworth …
Fructose – Definition, Classification
Fructose is a monosaccharide, a simple sugar, and is classified as a ketohexose because it has six carbon atoms and contains a ketone functional group. The detailed structure of fructose can be explained in the context of its cyclic form, specifically as a five-membered ring known as a furanose ring. …
