For every one carbon atom, there are two hydrogen and one oxygen
Monomers made up monosaccharides
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Glucose (carb)
Monosaccharide with six carbon atoms (hexose monosaccharide)
Two forms of glucose – alpha and beta, both have ring structure
Structure related to function, its soluble and a main energy source, easily transported
Chemical bonds contain a lot of energy
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Ribose (carb)
Pentose monosaccharide
Sugar component of RNA nucleotides
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Polysaccharide formation
Joined together by 1,6 glycosidic bonds
A hydrogen atom on one binds to a hydroxyl group on the other in a condensation reaction
In hydrolysis, a molecule of water reacts with the glycosidic bond
A diasaccharide is formed when two monosaccharides join together
A polysaccharide is formed when more than two monosaccharides join together
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Functions of Carbs - Starch
Main energy storage material in plants
Cells get energy from glucose and plants store excess glucose as starch (when a plant needs more glucose for energy it breaks down starch to release glucose)
Starch is insoluble in water so doesn't cause water to enter cells via osmosis which would make them swell
Good for storage
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Functions of Carbs - Starch - Amylose and Amylopec
Mixture of two polysaccharides of alpha glucose – amylose and amylopectin
Amylose: long, unbranched. Angles of glyco bonds give it a coiled structure. Compact and good for storage.
Amylopectin: long, branched. Side branches allows enzymes that break down the molecule to get the bonds easily for quick release.
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Functions of Carbs - Glycogen
Main energy storage material in animals
Store excess glucose as glycogen – another polysaccharide of a glucose.
Similar to amylopectin but more side branches
Stored glucose can therefore be released quicker, important for energy release
Very compact and good for storage
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Functions of Carbs- Cellulose
Major component of cell walls in plants.
Long, unbranched chains of beta glucose.
When beta glucose mols bond, they form straight cellulose chains.
Chains linked together by hydrogen bonds to form strong microfibril fibres.
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