What is the generic formula of carbohydrates?
Carbohydrate generic formula
Cn(H2O)n, sugar molecules
Why are sugars highly water-soluble?
Because their polar functions form hydrogen bonds with water.
Polarity in sugars
Hydrophilic; water-soluble due to polar groups
How is glucose mainly produced in plants?
By photosynthesis from carbon dioxide and water.
Biological glucose sources
Photosynthesis for plants, food for animals
What distinguishes monosaccharides from oligosaccharides and polysaccharides?
Monosaccharides have one saccharide unit, oligosaccharides have 2 to 20 residues, polysaccharides have more than 20 residues.
Carbohydrate classification
Mono-, oligo-, and polysaccharides by size
Monosaccharide stereoisomer
Enantiomers; mirror-image stereoisomers
Aldose vs ketose
Aldose: aldehyde group; Ketose: ketone group
Chiral carbon
Carbon with four different substituents, creates stereoisomers
Test your knowledge with 9 questions on Carbohydrates and Monosaccharides.
1. Which general molecular formula represents carbohydrates?
2. What is the general chemical formula of carbohydrates?
Review the complete course in the study sheet for Carbohydrates and Monosaccharides.
See study sheet →Import your course and AI generates flashcards in 30 seconds.
Flashcard generator