Biology - Carbohydrate

Introduction

• Consisting of oxygen (O), carbon (C), and hydrogen (H), carbohydrate is a biological molecule.

• Carbohydrate is one of the essential elements for the living organisms, as it plays various important roles.

• Carbohydrate is the main source of energy, as about two-third energy requirement of living beings is fulfilled by it.

• Glucose, sugar, and starch are the important examples of carbohydrate.

Source of Carbohydrate

• Carbohydrates naturally are occurring in wide variety of foods, such as −

  • Wheat

  • Maize

  • Rice

  • Potatoes

  • Sugarcane

  • Fruits

  • Table sugar

  • Bread

  • Milk

• Sugar that we eat in our everyday life is mainly sucrose (table sugar).

• Sucrose is added in many food items while preparing, e.g. jam, biscuits, cakes, energy drinks, etc.

• Further, many fruits naturally contain glucose and fructose.

• Glycogen is another type of carbohydrate that found in the liver and muscle.

• Cellulose found in the cell wall of plant cells is carbohydrate.

Types of Carbohydrate

• The following table illustrates major categories and sub-categories of carbohydrate −

Functions of Carbohydrate

• Following are the major functions of carbohydrates −

  • Carbohydrates provide energy required for the proper function of the body.

  • Carbohydrates also store food in the body for the contingency period.

  • Carbohydrates form nucleic acids.

  • Carbohydrates also support skeleton system of animals.

  • Carbohydrates provide sweetness and flavor.

  • Carbohydrates break down the fatty acid.