Carbohydrates: Structure and Classification
This page delves into the structure and classification of carbohydrates, a crucial topic in A Level Biology Carbohydrates. It explains how carbohydrates are categorized based on the number of units they contain.
Carbohydrates are classified into three main groups:
- Monosaccharides (single unit)
- Disaccharides (two units)
- Polysaccharides (many units)
Definition: Monosaccharides are the monomers from which larger carbohydrates are made. Examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.
The page provides detailed information on the structure of glucose, including:
- The presence of 6 carbon atoms
- How to draw a glucose molecule in detail
Highlight: A condensation reaction between two monosaccharides forms a glycosidic bond, creating a disaccharide.
Examples of disaccharides formed by specific monosaccharide combinations are given:
- Glucose + glucose = maltose
- Glucose + fructose = sucrose
- Glucose + galactose = lactose
The concept of isomers is introduced, specifically focusing on α-glucose and β-glucose:
Definition: Isomers are molecules with the same molecular formula but differently arranged atoms.
The structural difference between α-glucose and β-glucose is explained, noting the position of the OH group on the C1 carbon.
