Carbohydrates

Definition

Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. They are a primary source of energy for living organisms and are found in foods like bread, pasta, and fruits.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carbohydrates can be classified into three main types: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
2. Glucose is a common monosaccharide that is essential for cellular respiration.
3. Starch and glycogen are polysaccharides that serve as energy storage molecules in plants and animals respectively.
4. Cellulose is a polysaccharide that provides structural support in plant cell walls.
5. The process of breaking down carbohydrates into simple sugars is called hydrolysis.

Review Questions

• What are the three main types of carbohydrates?
• How does glucose function in cellular respiration?
• What roles do starch and cellulose play in plants?

Related terms

Monosaccharide: The simplest form of carbohydrates consisting of single sugar molecules like glucose or fructose.

Polysaccharide: Complex carbohydrates composed of long chains of monosaccharides linked together; examples include starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Hydrolysis: A chemical reaction where water is used to break down complex molecules such as carbohydrates into simpler ones.