★ Must-know
The generic formula of carbohydrates is .
Carbohydrates generally contain one aldehyde group (CHO) or ketone group, which gives reducing properties, and at least two hydroxyl groups.
Sugars are highly hydrophilic and water-soluble because their polar functions form hydrogen bonds with water.
Further detail
In plants, glucose is produced mainly by photosynthesis from carbon dioxide and water, whereas animals obtain it mostly through food intake.
Glucose can be stored as an energy source in polymeric forms: starch in plants and glycogen in animals.
Carbohydrates form structural polymers that support and protect biological structures, including cellulose and chitin.
1. Which general molecular formula represents carbohydrates?
2. Why are sugars generally highly soluble in water?
3. How do plants and animals generally differ in their main sources of glucose?
What is the generic formula of carbohydrates?
Why are sugars highly water-soluble?
Because their polar functions form hydrogen bonds with water.
How is glucose mainly produced in plants?
By photosynthesis from carbon dioxide and water.
What distinguishes monosaccharides from oligosaccharides and polysaccharides?
Monosaccharides have one saccharide unit, oligosaccharides have 2 to 20 residues, polysaccharides have more than 20 residues.
Carbohydrate generic formula
Cn(H2O)n, sugar molecules
Polarity in sugars
Hydrophilic; water-soluble due to polar groups
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