Carbohydrate biochemistry

Carbohydrate Biochemistry is a sub-discipline of biochemistry that focuses on the structure, function, and metabolism of carbohydrates in living organisms. Carbohydrates are essential biomolecules that play crucial roles in many biological processes, including energy production, cell-cell communication, and immune response.

Structure of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. They are classified into three main types based on their structure: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates and include glucose, fructose, and galactose. Disaccharides are formed when two monosaccharides are linked together, such as sucrose (glucose + fructose) and lactose (glucose + galactose). Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that consist of long chains of monosaccharides, such as starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Function of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates serve several key functions in living organisms. They are a primary source of energy, with glucose being the most important carbohydrate in energy metabolism. Carbohydrates also play a crucial role in cell-cell communication and adhesion, particularly in the immune system where they are involved in the recognition of foreign substances. In addition, they provide structural support in plants (cellulose) and animals (chitin).

Metabolism of Carbohydrates

The metabolism of carbohydrates involves several biochemical processes, including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycogenesis, and glycogenolysis. Glycolysis is the process by which glucose is broken down to produce energy. Gluconeogenesis is the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors, such as amino acids and glycerol. Glycogenesis is the process of storing glucose in the form of glycogen, while glycogenolysis is the breakdown of glycogen to release glucose.

Carbohydrate Biochemistry in Disease

Abnormalities in carbohydrate metabolism can lead to various diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, galactosemia, and lactose intolerance. Diabetes mellitus is characterized by high blood glucose levels due to insulin deficiency or resistance. Galactosemia is a genetic disorder that impairs the body's ability to metabolize galactose, leading to its accumulation in the body. Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms.