Carbohydrates are organic molecules that serve a variety of important functions in living organisms. Here are the key details regarding carbohydrates:
Monomer
- The monomer of carbohydrates is monosaccharides. These are simple sugars that can combine to form more complex carbohydrates.
Elements
- Carbohydrates are primarily composed of three elements: carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O). The general formula for a monosaccharide is \( C_n(H_2O)_n \), where \( n \) is usually a number between 3 and 7.
Function
- Carbohydrates serve several essential functions, including:
- Energy source: They provide a quick energy source for cellular metabolism (e.g., glucose).
- Structural components: They contribute to the structure of cells and organisms, such as cellulose in plant cell walls and chitin in fungal cell walls.
- Storage: They serve as energy storage molecules (e.g., glycogen in animals and starch in plants).
Example
- An example of a monosaccharide is glucose. It is a primary energy source for cells and is utilized in cellular respiration to produce ATP.
Summary
- Monomer: Monosaccharides (e.g., glucose)
- Elements: Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
- Function: Energy source, structural component, and storage
- Example: Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆)
This structure and function highlight the importance of carbohydrates in biological systems.