Important functions of carbohydrates
Functions of pentoses
- Pentoses can be broken down in the cell through glycolysis, a series of chemical reactions that generate energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
- Pentoses can also be used in other metabolic pathways to produce ATP, such as the pentose phosphate pathway, which generates NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), a coenzyme involved in redox reactions and antioxidant defense.
- Pentoses are a key component in the synthesis of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. The pentose sugar, ribose, is an essential component of RNA, while deoxyribose, a modified form of ribose, is a component of DNA. Nucleotides are involved in various cellular processes, including DNA replication, transcription, and translation.
- Pentoses are involved in the production of coenzymes, which are organic molecules that are required for the activity of enzymes. For example, ribose-5-phosphate, a pentose sugar derived from the pentose phosphate pathway, is used in the synthesis of coenzymes such as ATP, NADPH, and FAD (Flavin adenine dinucleotide), which have a necessary roles in cellular metabolism and energy production.
Functions of ribose
- Ribose, a pentose, is the essential constituent of DNA and RNA.
- Ribose is also used in the synthesis of coenzyme NAD from NADP.
- Synthesis of ATP requires ribose.
- Ribulose biphosphate is carbon dioxide acceptor in photosynthesis and is formed from the five carbon sugar ribose.
Functions of disaccharides
- Disaccharides can be broken down into their constituent monosaccharides through the process of hydrolysis, releasing energy that can be used by cells for various metabolic processes. For example, sucrose, commonly known as table sugar, is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, and it is a major source of energy in the human diet.
- Disaccharides are involved in the transport and storage of sugars in living organisms. For instance, lactose, a disaccharide composed of glucose and galactose, is the primary sugar found in mammalian milk and serves as a source of energy for newborns. Similarly, trehalose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose units, is used as a storage carbohydrate in some organisms, such as insects and fungi, to withstand environmental stresses like desiccation.
Functions of maltose
- Maltose, a disaccharide, is used to make alcohol.
- Maltose is a source of readily available energy for living organisms. Maltose is commonly used by microorganisms, such as yeast, during fermentation processes to produce ethanol or other metabolic products.
- Maltose is an intermediate product in the digestion of starch, a complex carbohydrate, by amylase enzymes in the digestive system. Starch is broken down into maltose and other maltodextrins, which are then further broken down into glucose by maltase and other enzymes. This process allows for the efficient digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the body.
Functions of lactose
- Lactose is an important source of energy, particularly in early life. In mammals, including humans, lactose is the primary sugar found in milk, and it serves as a source of energy for newborns and infants. Lactose is broken down into glucose and galactose by the enzyme lactase in the small intestine, and these monosaccharides are then absorbed into the bloodstream and used for energy production through cellular metabolism.
- Lactose acts as a substrate for the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. In the large intestine, lactose that is not absorbed in the small intestine can reach the colon where it can be fermented by gut bacteria, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, into short-chain fatty acids, which can serve as an energy source for colonocytes and help maintain gut health.
Functions of sucrose
Sucrose is the sugar we generally use.
- Sucrose is a source of readily available energy for living organisms. Sucrose is commonly used as a source of energy in the human diet and is also utilized as an energy source by microorganisms in various fermentation processes.
- Sucrose has important properties in food applications. It is a highly soluble and stable sugar that can be used as a sweetening agent, a bulking agent, a preservative, and a texturizing agent in a wide range of food products. Sucrose contributes to the taste, flavor, texture, and shelf life of many food and beverage products, including baked goods, confectionery, beverages, and processed foods.
Functions of polysaccharides
- Polysaccharides chiefly act as food and energy stores for example starch and glycogen. They also act as structural material for example cellulose.
- Polysaccharides are commonly used as a form of energy storage in plants, animals, and microorganisms. For example, starch is the primary carbohydrate storage molecule in plants, while glycogen serves as the main storage polysaccharide in animals, including humans. These polysaccharides can be broken down into their constituent glucose molecules when energy is needed during periods of low glucose availability, such as during fasting or prolonged physical activity.
- Polysaccharides can provide structural support to cells and tissues. For example, cellulose is a major component of plant cell walls and provides rigidity and strength to plant cells, allowing them to maintain their shape and resist external pressure. Chitin, another polysaccharide, is found in the exoskeletons of arthropods, such as insects and crustaceans, and provides structural support and protection.
Learn more
Functions of carbohydrates
Top 5 functions of carbohydrates
Functions of ribose
Top 5 functions of ribose
Functions of disaccharides
Top 5 functions of disaccharides
Functions of maltose
Functions of lactose
Functions of sucrose
Functions of Polysaccharides
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