Introduction to Biochemistry and Metabolism, 1/e

CHAPTER 2

CARBOHYDRATES

Concept Outline

• Introduction
• Definition
• Classification
• Monosaccharides
• Disaccharides
• Oligosaccharides
• Polysaccharides

INTRODUCTION

Carbohydrates are relatively small molecules that are generally called as simple sugars (monosaccharides and disaccharides) as well as macromolecular substances (starch, glycogen, and celluloses). The word sugar emphasises the idea of energy in our minds. From the study of the structure–function relationship of biomolecules, it is apparent that each and every molecule differs structurally and also functionally. Table sugar, which is commonly used as food, is sucrose, whereas the sugar that is mainly present in fruits is fructose. A small change in the structural configuration can lead to ...