Carbohydrate chemistry

Carbohydrate Chemistry is a branch of chemistry that focuses on the study, synthesis, and function of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates, also known as saccharides, are biomolecules consisting of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms. They are one of the four main types of biomolecules, alongside proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Overview

Carbohydrate chemistry involves the study of both simple carbohydrates, such as glucose and fructose, and complex carbohydrates, such as starch and cellulose. The field encompasses the chemical reactions and processes that carbohydrates undergo, as well as their structure and function in living organisms.

Structure of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are classified into three types based on their structure: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates and cannot be hydrolyzed to smaller carbohydrates. They include glucose, fructose, and galactose. Disaccharides consist of two monosaccharide units linked together, such as sucrose (glucose + fructose) and lactose (glucose + galactose). Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that consist of many monosaccharide units linked together. They include starch, cellulose, and glycogen.

Reactions of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates undergo various chemical reactions, including hydrolysis, condensation, isomerization, and oxidation. These reactions are crucial for the metabolism of carbohydrates in living organisms and for the industrial production of carbohydrate-derived products.

Applications of Carbohydrate Chemistry

Carbohydrate chemistry has numerous applications in various fields, including food science, pharmaceuticals, and biochemistry. In food science, it is used to understand the properties of food carbohydrates and to develop new food products. In pharmaceuticals, it is used to synthesize new drugs and to understand the role of carbohydrates in disease processes. In biochemistry, it is used to study the structure and function of carbohydrates in living organisms.

See Also

• Organic chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Molecular biology