AnWhat
organic
compound
that
is
are Carbohydrates
the body’s main source of
energy.
They are found mainly in
plants
There are two groups of
carbohydrate – simple and
 Sugar makes up simple carbohydrates
is another word for saccharides.
- it
 Monosaccharides – single sugars which are
the building block of other sugars.
 Glucose is a simple sugar often which
builds all carbohydrates
 - Fructose is a simple sugar found in
fruits
 Galactose is not found free in nature but
is always bound to something else
Disaccharides – sugars made up
of two monosacchrides bonded
together.
 Sucrose – a common monosacchride
made up of glucose and fructose.
 Lactose – is found in milk
of glucose and galactose.
made up
 Maltose – found in cereals and
sprouting grains made up of two
molecules of glucose.
Complex Carbohydrates
Starch and Fiber
Starch is made up of chains of
sugar molecules called
polysaccharides.
Examples of Complex Carbs = dry
beans, peas, lentils, potatoes, corn,
rice, pasta, and breads
Fiber is what gives plants their structure.
Bran – the most concentrated form of
fiber forms the outer layer of grains.
Fiber also is useful by carrying excess
cholesterol out of the body.
A n important function of fiber is to
move food through the digestive tract.
Carbohydrates in the Body
 Carbohydrates provide fuel for the body
 Glucose is called blood sugar
 Hydrolysis of Sugars – in the small
intestine compounds are split into
smaller parts by the addition of water.
This releases glucose to be used for
energy. Example: Sucrose + Water =
Glucose + Fructose
 Enzymes
with water act on the sugar
to break it down.
The pancreas monitors the flow of
glucose to the cells.
The pancreas secretes insulin- a
messenger that signals the cells
to accept the surge of nutrients
including glucose.
Diabetes
 A condition where the body can not
regulate blood glucose levels.
 Type I = the pancreas secretes little or
no insulin. ( Common among child
diabetes)
 Type II = insulin is produced
but not
enough or can not be used effectively.
(Most common)
 Both types can cause high blood
glucose levels which strains and
damages the heart and kidneys
Sugar Substitutes
 Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that is
a chlorinated sucrose derivative. Because
the body cannot recognize the
chlorinated carbohydrate, it is not
absorbed by the body so does not add
calories to you. It does not break down
when heated so is good for baking.
 Aspartame – is an amino acid-based
sweetener often used in diet pop. It does
not promote tooth decay nor does it have
an aftertaste.
Starches as Thickening Agents