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    Carbohydrates-The-Building-Blocks-of-Life (2)

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    Carbohydrates-The-Building-Blocks-of-Life (2)

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    hemlo848484
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    Carbs building blocks of life

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    Carbs building blocks of life

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Download as pdf or txt
    4 views9 pages

    Carbohydrates-The-Building-Blocks-of-Life (2)

    Uploaded by

    hemlo848484
    Carbs building blocks of life

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Carbohydrates: The Building Blocks

    of Life
    This presentation explores carbohydrates, essential organic molecules that play a vital role in living organisms. We'll delve into
    their structure, classification, and functions, with a focus on their significance in the human body.

    by Siddhant jain
    Introduction to Carbohydrates
    Carbohydrates are one of the four major classes of organic compounds essential for life, alongside lipids, proteins, and nucleic
    acids.

    They are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, typically in a ratio of 1:2:1, forming simple sugars and complex
    polymers.

    Carbohydrates serve as a primary energy source for living organisms, providing energy for cellular processes and activities.
    Chemical Structure of
    Carbohydrates
    The basic unit of carbohydrates is a monosaccharide, a simple sugar with a
    general formula of (CH2O)n.

    Monosaccharides have a backbone of carbon atoms linked together by covalent


    bonds.

    They have hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to most carbons, except for one that is
    bonded to a carbonyl group (C=O).
    Classification of Carbohydrates
    Carbohydrates are classified based on their complexity and the number of sugar units they contain.

    They are grouped into three main categories: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

    1 Monosaccharides 2 Disaccharides
    Simple sugars with one sugar unit, such Double sugars formed by joining two
    as glucose and fructose. monosaccharides, such as sucrose and
    lactose.

    3 Polysaccharides
    Complex carbohydrates made up of many sugar units linked together, such as starch and
    cellulose.
    Monosaccharides: Glucose,
    Fructose, and Galactose
    Glucose is a six-carbon sugar, the primary energy source for most living cells. It's
    found in fruits, vegetables, and honey.

    Fructose is a five-carbon sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and honey. It's the
    sweetest of the common monosaccharides.

    Galactose is a six-carbon sugar found in dairy products. It's similar in structure to


    glucose but with a different orientation of one hydroxyl group.
    Disaccharides: Sucrose, Lactose, and Maltose
    Sucrose, commonly known as table sugar, is composed of glucose and fructose linked together.

    Lactose, found in milk, is formed from glucose and galactose. It's often called "milk sugar."

    Maltose is a disaccharide formed from two glucose molecules. It's found in germinating grains and is produced during the
    digestion of starch.
    Polysaccharides: Starch,
    Glycogen, and Cellulose
    Starch is a storage polysaccharide in plants, made up of long chains of glucose
    units. It's a major source of carbohydrates in our diet.

    Glycogen is the storage form of glucose in animals, primarily found in the liver
    and muscles. It's a highly branched polysaccharide.

    Cellulose is a structural polysaccharide found in plant cell walls. It's a long,


    unbranched polymer of glucose units and is not digestible by humans.
    Importance of Carbohydrates in the Human Body
    Carbohydrates are essential for human life. They provide energy for vital functions like breathing, muscle movement, and brain
    activity.

    They also serve as structural components in cells and tissues, contribute to cell recognition and signaling, and aid in the
    absorption of certain nutrients.

    Dietary carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is used for energy production. Excess glucose is stored as glycogen or
    converted to fat.
    Conclusion: Understanding
    Carbohydrates in Chemistry
    Carbohydrates are fundamental building blocks of life, playing diverse roles in
    biological systems.

    By understanding their structure, classification, and functions, we can better


    appreciate their importance in human health and nutrition.

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