Lecture on Carbohydrates

Introduction

• Carbohydrates: Most abundant biomolecules on Earth
• Sources:
  • Major source of energy for organisms (animals, plants)
  • Serve as structural components (e.g., DNA contains ribose; plant cell walls made of cellulose)
• Composition: Mainly contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 molar ratio

Types of Carbohydrates

1. Monosaccharides
2. Disaccharides
3. Oligosaccharides
4. Polysaccharides

Note: The term