Saccharide

Definition

Saccharide is a term for sugars or carbohydrates, which are organic compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They can be simple molecules like glucose or complex like starch.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Saccharides are classified into monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides based on the number of sugar units.
2. Glucose is a common monosaccharide that plays a crucial role in cellular respiration and energy production.
3. Polysaccharides such as cellulose and glycogen serve as structural components and energy storage in cells.
4. The glycosidic bond links saccharide units together in larger carbohydrate structures.
5. Saccharides can undergo fermentation by microbes to produce ethanol and other byproducts.

Review Questions

Related terms

Monosaccharide: A simple sugar molecule with one sugar unit, such as glucose or fructose.

Polysaccharide: A complex carbohydrate made up of many sugar units bonded together, like starch or cellulose.

Glycosidic Bond:

A type of covalent bond that joins a carbohydrate molecule to another group, which can be another carbohydrate.