Carbohydrates
Lab 6
Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are compounds of
carbon (C), hydrogen (H) and
oxygen (O).



Usually found 1C:2H:1O.
Usually grouped as H-C-OH.
Function as structural elements and
as a source of chemical energy (ex.
glucose).
Carbohydrates

Plants use water (H2O) and carbon
dioxide (CO2) along with solar
energy to manufacture
carbohydrates in the process of
photosynthesis.

6CO2 +6H2O
Carbon Dioxide

Water
light
C6H12O6 + 6O2
Glucose
Oxygen
Life depends on this reaction – it is the
starting point for the formation of food.
Carbohydrates

Three classes of carbohydrates:



Monosaccharides – simple sugars
Disaccharides – double sugars
Polysaccharides – complex sugars
Monosaccharides

Monosaccharides
– Single carbon
chain 4-6 carbons.

Glucose C6H12O6
 Can be straight
chain or a ring.
Monosaccharides

Some common monosaccharides:
Disaccharides

Disaccharides –
Two simple sugars
bonded together.
Water released
 Sucrose = glucose
+ fructose
 Lactose =
glucose + galactose

Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides – Many simple
sugars bonded together in long
chains.


Starch is the common polymer in
which sugar is usually stored in plants.
Glycogen is an important polymer for
storing sugar in animals.


Found in liver and muscle cells – can be
converted to glucose when needed.
Cellulose is the main structural
carbohydrate in plants.