Structure and Types of Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that serve as the primary energy source for our cells.
Energy Powerhouse: Carbohydrates fuel the body because they break down into glucose—a vital energy source every cell uses.
Simple Carbohydrates (Sugars): These comprise one or two sugar units (monosaccharides like glucose and fructose and disaccharides like sucrose). They are quickly absorbed and give rapid bursts of energy.
Complex Carbohydrates (Starches and Fibers): These are made of many linked sugar units. They take longer to break down, supplying sustained energy over time and helping with digestion.
Function and Digestion
Once ingested, carbohydrates are transformed into glucose, which powers cellular activities through a process called cellular respiration.
Digestion: Enzymes such as amylase in the mouth and small intestine break down carbohydrates into simple sugars like glucose.
Energy Production: Glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to cells, where it is oxidized to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the cell’s energy currency.
Storage: Excess glucose is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles for later use.
Fun Facts
Here are some interesting facts about carbohydrates:
- The carbohydrate cellulose is the most abundant organic molecule on Earth—it forms the cell walls of plants and is so strong that it helps trees stand tall.
- Athletes rely on carbohydrate-rich foods and drinks for quick bursts of energy during exercise.
- Carbohydrates like starch can be converted into ethanol, a renewable fuel.
- Carbohydrates like cellulose from plants are used to make paper.
Review
Let’s quickly recap what we learned about carbohydrates:
- What do carbohydrates primarily provide? Energy
- What is another word for simple carbohydrates? Sugars
- What is the energy currency in cells? Glycogen
- Which carbohydrate is used in plant cell walls? Cellulose
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