Carbohydrates
Definition
Carbohydrates are biomolecules consisting mainly carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. They are one of the four main types of macromolecules in living organisms and serve as a primary source of energy.
Analogy
Carbohydrates are like the gas for your car. Just as your car needs fuel to run, your body needs carbohydrates to function properly.
Related terms
Monosaccharides: These are the simplest form of carbohydrates that cannot be hydrolyzed further into simpler sugars. Examples include glucose and fructose.
Polysaccharides: These are complex carbohydrates made up from many monosaccharide units. Examples include starch and cellulose.
Glycogen: This is a multibranched polysaccharide that serves as a form of energy storage in animals and fungi.
"Carbohydrates" appears in:
Study guides (3)
Practice Questions (1)
- What is the role of carbohydrates on the plasma membrane?
Resources
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