Carbohydrate

Definition

Carbohydrates are organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen with the general formula \(C_n(H_2O)_n\). They serve as a primary energy source for microbial metabolism through catabolic pathways.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carbohydrates are broken down in microbial cells via glycolysis, resulting in pyruvate and ATP production.
2. The pentose phosphate pathway is an alternative carbohydrate catabolic pathway that also produces NADPH and ribose-5-phosphate.
3. Monosaccharides like glucose are the simplest form of carbohydrates utilized directly by microbes for energy.
4. Polysaccharides like starch and glycogen must be hydrolyzed into simpler sugars before microbial metabolism.
5. Fermentation processes in anaerobic conditions convert pyruvate from glycolysis into various end products like ethanol or lactic acid.

Review Questions

Related terms

Glycolysis:

A metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH.

Pentose Phosphate Pathway:

A metabolic pathway parallel to glycolysis that generates NADPH and ribose-5-phosphate.

Fermentation:

An anaerobic process where microorganisms convert sugars into alcohols, gases, or acids.