Carbohydrates and Lipids: Fundamental Biomolecules
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Carbohydrates: Structure and Function
Monosaccharides
These are simple carbohydrates, often referred to as simple sugars. They are called sugars due to their sweet taste and are carbohydrates because they contain hydrogen and oxygen in the same proportion as water. Their general formula is (CH2O)n, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms, typically ranging from 3 to 7.
Depending on whether the carbonyl group is an aldehyde or a ketone, monosaccharides are classified as aldoses or ketoses, respectively. Based on the number of carbon atoms, they are further classified as:
- Trioses (3 carbons)
- Tetroses (4 carbons)
- Pentoses (5 carbons)
- Hexoses (6 carbons)
- Heptoses (7 carbons)
Their main functions are energy storage and structural support. Regarding... Continue reading "Carbohydrates and Lipids: Fundamental Biomolecules" »