Disaccharides and Polysaccharides

This page expands on the types of carbohydrates, focusing on disaccharides and polysaccharides. It provides detailed information on the structure and formation of these complex carbohydrates, which is essential for WJEC A Level Biology exam questions.

Disaccharides are explained as sugars composed of two monosaccharides joined by a glycosidic linkage. The page lists common disaccharides such as maltose, lactose, and sucrose, along with their constituent monosaccharides.

The concept of polymerisation is introduced, explaining how monomers bond to form large molecules like polysaccharides. The page then delves into the structure and function of three important polysaccharides: starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Vocabulary: Glycosidic bond - A covalent bond that joins monosaccharides to form larger carbohydrate molecules.

Example: Starch is composed of two types of glucose polymers: amylose (spiral structure) and amylopectin (branched structure).

Highlight: Cellulose's unique structure, with beta-glucose monomers allowing for hydrogen bonding between chains, gives it high tensile strength, crucial for plant cell walls.

Definition: Polymerisation is the process of bonding many monomers by condensation reactions to form one large molecule.

This page provides comprehensive detailed notes on carbohydrates proteins and lipids, focusing on the structure and function of complex carbohydrates.

Organic Molecules and Carbohydrates

This page introduces the importance of carbon in forming organic molecules and delves into the structure and types of carbohydrates. Carbon's ability to form four bonds and create complex structures is highlighted as the foundation for biological macromolecules.

Carbohydrates are presented as organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with their roles in energy storage and structural support in plants emphasized. The page covers the three main types of carbohydrates: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Vocabulary: Monosaccharides are simple sugars with the general formula (CH₂O)n. Examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Example: Alpha-glucose and beta-glucose are structural isomers, demonstrating how slight changes in molecular structure can affect the properties of carbohydrates.

Highlight: The structural differences between alpha-glucose and beta-glucose are crucial for understanding the formation of different polysaccharides like starch and cellulose.

Definition: Organic molecules are compounds containing carbon-carbon bonds, typically found in living organisms.

This page provides a solid foundation for understanding WJEC A Level Biology Unit 1.11 biochemistry notes, particularly focusing on carbohydrate structure and function.