Learn: Carbohydrates - Structure, Roles, and Tests

Welcome!Great to have you here! You've already learned about monomers, polymers, condensation, and hydrolysis. Now, let's build on that knowledge and explore carbohydrates, their structure, their roles, and how we test for them.

What are carbohydrates?Carbohydrates are organic molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, usually with a 1:2:1 ratio. They are one of the main types of biological molecules used by living organisms for energy and structural support.

MonosaccharidesMonosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, made of single sugar molecules like glucose, fructose, and galactose. They are the building blocks of more complex carbohydrates.

DisaccharidesDisaccharides are carbohydrates made of two monosaccharides joined together by a glycosidic bond through a condensation reaction. Examples include sucrose (glucose + fructose), maltose (glucose + glucose), and lactose (glucose + galactose).

PolysaccharidesPolysaccharides are large carbohydrates made of many monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds. Examples include starch, glycogen, and cellulose, which have important roles in energy storage and structural support in plants and animals.

Testing for carbohydratesTo test for the presence of carbohydrates, we use specific chemical tests:Benedict's test: Detects reducing sugars, resulting in a colour change from blue to brick-red.Iodine test: Detects starch, resulting in a blue-black colour.These tests are essential for identifying carbohydrates in food substances.

Review Time!Fantastic work so far! You've learned all about monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides, and their roles. You've also explored how to test for carbohydrates. Let's check your understanding!