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Function of Carbohydrates | Definition | Classifications | Examples

Definition of Carbohydrates:-

The function of Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are basically defined as Polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones. In other words, carbohydrates can also be well-defined as impartial or neutral compounds of carbon, hydrogen,  and oxygen. In the least of the group of organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in the ratio of 1:2:1 called Carbohydrates. Chemically, carbohydrates are modest organic compounds that are basically aldehydes or ketones with having many hydroxyl groups. That is added usually on each carbon atom that is not a part of the aldehyde or ketone functional group.

Hence the general formula for carbohydrates is Cn (H2O) n.

Examples of carbohydrates include sugar, starch, cellulose, and gums.

Function of Carbohydrates

Classifications of Carbohydrates

The function of Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are one of the most important biologically important compounds that are found abundantly in nature.

Simple carbohydrates are classified into 1. Monosaccharides, 2. Disaccharides, 3. Oligosaccharides, 4. Polysaccharides, and 5. Heterosaccharides.

The furthermost fundamental type is the modest sugars called monosaccharides, for example, Glucose, Galactose, and Fructose. These simple sugars can syndicate with each other to formulate more complex types of compounds.

Due to the combination of two simple sugars, complex compounds are formed that are called Disaccharide

While if any carbohydrates containing two to ten simple sugars are called Oligosaccharides.

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If carbohydrates having simple sugar molecules more than 10 forms larger complex molecules are called polysaccharides. Carbohydrates are extensively disseminated in both plant and animal tissues. Carbohydrates are crucial for living organisms and serve as emaciated structures in plants, insects, and crustaceans.

Function of Carbohydrates

Functions of Carbohydrates

  1. Carbohydrates are produced in green plants by the process of photosynthesis in the form of Glucose which serves as a major source of energy for the animals.
  2. Carbohydrates play a vital role in providing energy and help in the regulation of glucose in the blood properly.
  3. Economical source of energy rather than the use of proteins for the purpose of
  4. Carbohydrates are also used as substantial compounds for the purpose of energy storage and production.
  5. Starch and glycogen both one-to-one are stored in plants and animals, from which glucose can be prepared.
  6. Glucose supply energy for the production of body fuel ATP by the process of  ATP synthesis. (ATP, is basically the cell’s energy currency).
  7. Carbohydrates paly a vital role in Biological recognition processes.
  8. Carbohydrates are used as flavor and sweeteners.
  9. Carbohydrates are used as dietary fibers which help to expel out of waste materials.
  10. Carbohydrates also serve as structural components not on plant cell animals also. for example Cellulose in plants and Chitin in animal cells.
  11. Carbohydrates, as well as its derivatives, play an essential role in creating immunity during the process of fertilization.
  12. Carbohydrates aid in the process of pathogenesis.
  13. Derivatives of carbohydrates help in blood clotting and the development of wounded cells after injury.
  14. carbohydrates abundantly present as food reserves in the storage organs of plants and animals.

References Function of Carbohydrates:

Miller, S. H. J. B., & Petocz, P. (1996). Interrelationships among postprandial satiety, glucose and insulin responses and changes in subsequent food intake. European. Journal of Clinical Nutrition50, 788-797.

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