Carbohydrates

Overview

Carbohydrates are organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in a ratio of 1:2:1. They serve as a primary energy source for living organisms and are classified into three main categories: monosaccharides (simple sugars), oligosaccharides (short chains of sugars), and polysaccharides (long chains of sugars). Carbohydrates play crucial roles in various biological processes, including energy storage, structural support in cells, and cell recognition. They are found in a wide range of foods, from fruits and vegetables to grains and dairy products, and are essential for maintaining overall health and metabolic functions.

Questions and Answers

  1. What are carbohydrates?

    Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in a ratio of 1:2:1, and they serve as a primary energy source for living organisms.

  2. What are the main types of carbohydrates?

    Carbohydrates are classified into three main types: monosaccharides (simple sugars), oligosaccharides (short chains of sugars), and polysaccharides (long chains of sugars).

  3. What role do carbohydrates play in the body?

    Carbohydrates provide energy, serve as a source for metabolic processes, and contribute to the structural integrity of cells through glycoproteins and glycolipids formed in the Golgi apparatus

  4. Can you give examples of foods rich in carbohydrates?

    Foods rich in carbohydrates include fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and dairy products.

  5. How are carbohydrates stored in the body?

    Carbohydrates are stored in the body primarily as glycogen in the liver and muscles, which can be converted back to glucose when energy is needed.

Multiple-Choice Questions

  1. What are the basic building blocks of carbohydrates?

    a) Amino acids
    b) Fatty acids
    c) Monosaccharides
    d) Nucleotides
    Answer: c) Monosaccharides

  2. Which of the following is a complex carbohydrate?

    a) Glucose
    b) Sucrose
    c) Starch
    d) Fructose
    Answer: c) Starch

  3. What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the body?

    a) Hormone production
    b) Energy storage
    c) Immune response
    d) DNA replication
    Answer: b) Energy storage

  4. Which carbohydrate is known as table sugar?

    a) Lactose
    b) Maltose
    c) Sucrose
    d) Glucose
    Answer: c) Sucrose

  5. What type of carbohydrate is dietary fiber classified as?

    a) Simple carbohydrate
    b) Complex carbohydrate
    c) Oligosaccharide
    d) Monosaccharide
    Answer: b) Complex carbohydrate