Carbohydrates

Types of Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are one of the main macromolecules in biology and serve as a primary energy
source for living organisms. They are organic compounds made up of carbon (C), hydrogen
(H), and oxygen (O), typically in a 1:2:1 ratio. Carbohydrates can be classified into several
types based on their structure and complexity. The three main types of carbohydrates are
monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
1. Monosaccharides (Simple Sugars)
Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates. They cannot be hydrolyzed (broken
down) into smaller carbohydrates. They serve as the basic building blocks for more complex
carbohydrates.
 General formula: (CH₂O)ₙ (where n ≥ 3)

 Examples:
o Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆): A primary energy source for cells. Found in blood and
produced during photosynthesis.
o Fructose (C₆H₁₂O₆): Found in fruits and honey; used by the body as a source
of energy.
o Galactose (C₆H₁₂O₆): Found in milk and dairy products.
 Properties:
o Sweet-tasting
o Soluble in water
o Can be classified based on the number of carbon atoms (e.g., trioses, tetroses,
pentoses, hexoses)
2. Disaccharides (Double Sugars)
Disaccharides are formed when two monosaccharides are joined together by a glycosidic
bond through a dehydration reaction (loss of a water molecule). Disaccharides can be broken
down into monosaccharides via hydrolysis.
 General formula: C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁

 Examples:
o Sucrose (glucose + fructose): Common table sugar, found in sugar cane and
beets.
o Lactose (glucose + galactose): Found in milk.
o Maltose (glucose + glucose): Produced during the breakdown of starch.
 Properties:
o Typically sweet
o Soluble in water
o Used as a quick source of energy
3. Polysaccharides (Complex Carbohydrates)
Polysaccharides are large, complex carbohydrates composed of many monosaccharide units

linked together by glycosidic bonds. These molecules serve as storage forms of energy or
structural components in organisms.
 General formula: (C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ (where n is a large number)
Types of Polysaccharides:
 Starch:
o Found in plants as a storage form of energy.
o Composed of long chains of glucose molecules (two forms: amylose and
amylopectin).
o Can be broken down by enzymes to provide glucose for energy.
 Glycogen:
o Found in animals, primarily in liver and muscle cells.
o A highly branched polymer of glucose, providing a quick-release form of
energy when needed.
 Cellulose:
o Found in plant cell walls, providing structural support and rigidity.
o Composed of glucose molecules, but the bonds between them are different
from those in starch, making cellulose indigestible for humans.
 Chitin:
o Found in the exoskeletons of arthropods (insects, crustaceans) and in the cell
walls of fungi.
o Composed of glucose derivatives, providing structural support.
 Dextran:
o Found in certain bacteria and yeast.
o Used by some organisms to store energy.
Properties:
 Not sweet to the taste

 Typically insoluble in water (except for starch)
 Serve as energy reserves (e.g., starch, glycogen) or structural elements (e.g., cellulose,
chitin)
Functions of Carbohydrates:
1. Energy Storage: Carbohydrates are stored in the form of starch in plants and
glycogen in animals.
2. Energy Supply: Carbohydrates provide a rapid and easily accessible source of
energy, especially glucose.
3. Structural Support: Polysaccharides like cellulose and chitin provide rigidity and
strength to cell walls and exoskeletons.
4. Cell Communication: Carbohydrates on the surfaces of cells are involved in cell
recognition and signaling.
5. Forming Other Biomolecules: Carbohydrates are involved in forming nucleic acids,
lipids, and glycoproteins.
Summary Table
Type of
Structure Example(s) Function Properties
Carbohydrate
Glucose,
Immediate energy
Monosaccharides Simple sugars Fructose, Sweet, soluble
source
Galactose
Two Sucrose, Lactose, Quick energy
Disaccharides Sweet, soluble
monosaccharides Maltose source
Many Starch, Glycogen, Energy storage, Not sweet,
Polysaccharides
monosaccharides Cellulose structural support insoluble
Conclusion
Carbohydrates play essential roles in biology, from energy storage to structural support. The
three main types—monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides—differ in
complexity and function. Understanding the different types and their roles helps explain the
versatility and importance of carbohydrates in living organisms.

Carbohydrates

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Types of Carbohydrates

1. Monosaccharides (Simple Sugars)

 General formula: (CH₂O)ₙ (where n ≥ 3)

2. Disaccharides (Double Sugars)

 General formula: C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁

Polysaccharides are large, complex carbohydrates composed of many monosaccharide units

 General formula: (C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ (where n is a large number)

 Not sweet to the taste

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