monomers and polymers- carbohydrates Flashcards
(24 cards)
what forms single subunits (monomers)
carbon compounds
what is the process which forms larger molecules
polymerisation
whats a polar covalent bond
where electrons are shared unequally (due to an atom being more electronegative)
when does a condensation reaction occur
when monomers combine together by covalent bonds to form polymers
-water is removed
what is hydrolysis
when covalent bonds are broken due to water being added
why are carbon atoms key to organic compounds
-each carbon atom can form four covalent bonds (very stable)
-carbon atoms can form covalent bonds with oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur
-carbon atoms can form straight chains, branched chains or rings
what chemical elements do all carbohydrates contain
C, H, O
what are carbohydrates made from
monosaccharides
what is glucose
a monosaccharide with six carbon atoms (hexose)
how is glucose’s structure related to its function
-its soluble so can be easily transported
-its chemical bonds contain lots of energy (energy source)
for every carbon atom, what other atoms are there
-two hydrogen atoms and one carbon atom)
what is startch
-the main energy storage material in plants
-excess glucose stored as starch
-when plant needs energy, it breaks down starch
what two polysacharides of alpha glucose is starch a mixture of
-amylose
-amylopectin
whats amylose
a long, unbranched chain of alpha glucose
structure of amylose and purpose
coiled
-compact, so really good for storage as more can be fit into a smaller space
what is amylopectin
a long branched chain of alpha glucose
structure and relating function of amylopectin
-branched with side branches to allow enzymes that break down the molecule to hydrolyse the glycosidic bonds easily
-means the glucose can be released quickly
why is starch good for storage
-its insoluble
-doesn’t cause water to enter cells by osmosis, which would make them swell
what is glycogen
the main energy storage material in animals
-what excess glucose is stored at
-form of alpha glucose
whats the structure of glycogen
-branched (more than amylopectin)
-lots of branches means stored glucose can be released quickly, needed for energy release in animals
-compact so good for storage
what is cellulose
the major component of cell walls in plants
what is the structure of cellulose
long, unbranched chains of beta-glucose
what are the cellulose chains linked together by
hydrogen bonds to form strong fibres called microfibrils
what does the strong fibres (microfibrils) allow for
-means cellulose provides structural support for cells
