Understanding:
• Monosaccharide monomers are linked together by condensation reactions to form disaccharides and
polysaccharide polymers
Carbohydrates are made of C, H and O (‘carbo’ – contains carbon ; ‘hydrate’ – contains H and O)
Carbohydrates are composed of recurring monomers called monosaccharides (which typically form ring structures)
These monosaccharides may be linked together via condensation reactions (water is formed as a by-product)
- Two monosaccharide monomers may be joined via a glycosidic linkage to form a disaccharide
- Many monosaccharide monomers may be joined via glycosidic linkages to form polysaccharides
Formation of a Disaccharide
Examples of Carbohydrates
Monosaccharides (one sugar unit) are typically sweet-tasting and function as an immediate energy source for cells
- Examples of monosaccharides include glucose, galactose and fructose
Disaccharides (two sugar units) are small enough to be soluble in water and commonly function as a transport form
- Examples of disaccharides include lactose, maltose and sucrose
Polysaccharides (many sugar units) may be used for energy storage or cell structure, and also play a role in cell recognition
- Examples of polysaccharides include cellulose, glycogen and starch
Types of Carbohydrates
