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Study Notes

Unit 5: Carbohydrates

Carbohydrate Basics

Carbohydrates are made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with hydroxyl (–OH) groups. The monomer is the monosaccharide (for example, glucose). Monosaccharides are linked by dehydration synthesis into disaccharides and polysaccharides.

Elements: C, H, O only
C, H, and O are present in a 1:2:1 ratio (e.g., glucose C₆H₁₂O₆)
Carbohydrates are used for short-term energy (glucose)
Polysaccharides can store energy or provide structure (plant cell walls)

Structural vs. Energy-Storage Polysaccharides

The same monomer (glucose) can build very different polysaccharides depending on how the monomers are arranged.

Structural polysaccharides (e.g., cellulose in plant cell walls): linear, alternating structure. The bulky CH₂OH groups extend on alternating sides of the rings
Energy storage polysaccharides (e.g., starch, glycogen): helical structure. The bulky CH₂OH groups extend on the same side of the rings

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