Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates comprise atoms of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Saccharide is a synonym for it. Moreover, they consist of carbonyl groups (aldehydes or ketones). They are present in abundance in nature. They are very important parts of life. It is a source of energy. The saccharides are sweet in and water-soluble are the sugars. They are present in a wide range of food products such as potatoes, cookies, bread, spaghetti, milk, popcorn, drinks, etc. most importantly, their main function is the production of energy.

Classification of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are classified into monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Monosaccharides

These are the smallest groups and basic units that cannot be further hydrolyzed. They comprise of either aldehydes or ketones with hydroxyl groups. They are the building blocks for nucleic acids. Moreover, glyceraldehydes are the smallest monosaccharide.

Monosaccharides with aldehyde groups are the aldoses, however, those with ketone groups are referred to as ketoses. Having three three carbon atoms, called trioses, with four are the tetroses, while five are pentoses, and so on. Only some of these saccharides have a sweet taste.

This monosaccharide is colourless, crystalline solids. Moreover, they are soluble in water. They are the source of fuel for metabolism. The general empirical formula for monosaccharides is C_n(H2O)_n.  

For example- glucose, fructose, galactose, ribulose, erythrulose, etc.

Disaccharides

The combination of two monosaccharides forms the disaccharide. However, the simplest of any polysaccharide is the disaccharide. The units of monosaccharide join covalently via dehydration reactions make it. The empirical formula of a disaccharide is C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁.

They are soluble in water. They provide instant energy to the body. Most importantly, the most common and abundant disaccharide is sucrose. Sucrose consists of glucose and fructose. The milk of mammals contains lactose, which is also a disaccharide. Maltose, present in sweet potato is also an example of a disaccharide.

Oligosaccharide

Oligosaccharides are the carbohydrates present between 3 to 6 monomers of simple sugars. Oligosaccharides can be prepared by breaking polysaccharides. Their functions include solubility, cell recognition, and cell adhesion. Examples of polysaccharides are Stachyose and Raffinose.

Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are often called glycans. These are the long chains with 10 or more monosaccharides. These are of high molecular weights. They may be called polymeric anhydrides of simple sugars. D-glucose is the most common example of polysaccharides.

Chemically, this polysaccharide can be classified into two categories-

1. Homopolysaccharide

Homo-polysaccharide on hydrolysis yields only one type of monosaccharide. Moreover, homoglycans is another name for it.

Examples of homopolysaccharide are-

2. Cellulose

It is the most abundant of all biomolecules in the biosphere. They are absent in the human body. However, they are present in the plant cell wall and may be present in association with other substances, for example, lignin.

Hydrolysis of cellulose can occur through conc. HCl. On hydrolysis, it yields glucose.

Wood, cotton, paper, are mostly comprised of cellulose.

3. Starch

Starch is the most important reserve of food in higher plants. it is present in potatoes, cereals, legumes, and many other vegetables. It consists of two components; firstly amylase, and secondly amylopectin.

On partial hydrolysis, it breaks down into dextrins.

4. Inulin

Inulin is present in tubers of dahlia and artichoke. It may also be present in onion and garlic. However, animals lack this polysaccharide. On hydrolysis by dilute acids, it breaks down into D-fructose.

5. Heteropolysaccharide

Hetero-polysaccharide on hydrolysis yields more than one type of monosaccharides. In other words, it consists of a mixture of different monosaccharides. Moreover, another name for heteropolysaccharide is heteroglycans.

Some of the examples of heteropolysaccharide are-

6. Heparin

They are straight-chain anionic polysaccharides. Due to its anticoagulant properties, it helps in the prevention of clot formation. They are helpful in the treatment of heart attacks.

7. Gamma-globulin

Another name of gamma-globulin is immunoglobulin. It is present in the human blood. However, deficiencies of the immune system are treated by this gamma-globulin.

8. Hyaluronic acid

It is present in the body of humans. Moreover, it is present in abundance in eye fluids, and joints. It is soluble in water. D-Glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine are the monomers that comprise hyaluronic acids.

Characteristics of Polysaccharides

• Most of the polysaccharides are insoluble in water
• They do not taste sweet.
• They have a high molecular weight with a large number of monomers.
• Moreover, they are mostly hydrophobic.

What is the Function of Carbohydrates

They have a great role in the normal functioning of the human body. Some of its major functions are as follows-

• Most importantly, they provide the body with the energy to perform any task. The carbs present in the food are broken into glucose. Glucose on reaction produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is the unit of energy in the body.
• In case of extra glucose is present, the body will store it in the form of glycogen. Thus, we can say that carbs also act as food storage. This glycogen on need converts back into glucose. Moreover, this glucose will further break down and gives ATP.
• The carb helps in the prevention of breaking down muscle cells. As when there is the absence of glycogen the body tarts breaking the muscle cells. This can cause a serious issue. However, the presence of carbs in muscles will prevent this.
• Carbs like cellulose help in forming bulk in the diet without any gain of weight. This cellulose is indigestible by humans; therefore, it acts as a great source of fibres.

Disadvantages of Carbohydrates

As we know every coin has two sides. Therefore, with an abundance of advantages of carbs, there are some disadvantages too. Some of those disadvantages are-

• Unhealthy carbs such as sweets, white rice, white bread, sodas can cause health issues. If these carbs are present in excess in the diet they can cause rapid weight gain. A person with uncontrolled weight gain or in other words an obese becomes a target for many serious health issues.
• Taking too many sweet carbs can increase the blood sugar level. For a diabetic patient eating carbs in an adequate amount is a must. The excess of it can cause life-threatening impacts on the health.
• People with sugar addiction can take higher carbs than the requirement in their diet. Sugar addiction is very hard to overcome.

However, the proper knowledge and taking an adequate amount of carbs in the diet will provide a positive impact.

FAQs on Carbohydrates

Question 1- What are carbohydrates?

Answer 2- Carbohydrates comprise atoms of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Saccharide is a synonym for it. Moreover, they consist of carbonyl groups (aldehydes or ketones). They are present in abundance in nature. They are very important parts of life. It is a source of energy.

Question 2- What are the disadvantages of eating too many carbs?

Answer 2– The disadvantages of eating an excess of carbs are-

• Unhealthy carbs such as sweets, white rice, white bread, sodas can cause health issues. If these carbs are present in excess in the diet they can cause rapid weight gain. A person with uncontrolled weight gain or in other words an obese becomes a target for many serious health issues.
• Taking too many sweet carbs can increase the blood sugar level. For a diabetic patient eating carbs in an adequate amount is a must. Further, the excess of it can cause life-threatening impacts on the health.
• People with sugar addiction can take higher carbs than the requirement in their diet. Sugar addiction is very hard to overcome.

 Question 3- What are the functions of carbohydrates?

Answer 3- They have a great role in the normal functioning of the human body. Some of its major functions are as follows-

• Most importantly, they provide the body with the energy to perform any task. The carbs present in the food are broken into glucose. Glucose on reaction produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Also, ATP is the unit of energy in the body.
• In case of extra glucose is present, the body will store it in the form of glycogen. Thus, we can say that carbs also act as food storage. This glycogen on need converts back into glucose. Moreover, this glucose will further break down and gives ATP.
• Carbs like cellulose help in forming bulk in the diet without any gain of weight. Moreover, this cellulose is indigestible by humans; therefore, it acts as a great source of fibres.