In this article we will discuss about the Meaning and Types of Carbohydrates. Meaning of Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are polyhydroxy aldoses, ketoses and their condensation products. Aldoses bear terminal aldehyde or —CHO group (e.g., glyceraldehyde, xylose, ribose, glucose, galactose) while ketoses have an internal ketone or —CO— group (e.g., dihydroxy acetone, erythrulose, ribulose, xylulose, fructose, sedoheptulose). The term carbohydrate is derived [...]
The following points highlight the three main types of Polysaccharides. The types are: 1. Food Storage Polysaccharides 2. Structural Polysaccharides 3. Mucosubstances. Type # 1. Food Storage Polysaccharides: They are those polysaccharides which serve as reserve food. At the time of need, storage polysaccharides are hydrolysed. Sugars thus released become available to the living cells for production of energy and [...]
The following points highlight the top five classifications of isomerism. The classifications are: 1. D and L 2. α- and β-anomers 3. Epimers 4. Pyranose and Furanose Ring Structures 5. Aldose-ketose Isomerism. Isomerism: Classification # 1. D and L: The designation of an isomer as D- or L- form is determined by its spatial configuration to the parent compound. When [...]