Saccharide
Saccharides (also known as carbohydrates) are a group of organic compounds that include sugars, starches, and cellulose. They are the most abundant class of biomolecules on Earth and play a crucial role in various biological processes.
Structure and Classification[edit | edit source]
Saccharides are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. They can be classified into four chemical groups: monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides.
Monosaccharides[edit | edit source]
Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates. They cannot be hydrolyzed to smaller carbohydrates. Examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.
Disaccharides[edit | edit source]
Disaccharides are composed of two monosaccharide units. Examples include sucrose, lactose, and maltose.
Oligosaccharides[edit | edit source]
Oligosaccharides consist of a small number (typically three to ten) of monosaccharide units. They are often found attached to proteins and lipids on the cell surface.
Polysaccharides[edit | edit source]
Polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharide units. Examples include starch, glycogen, and cellulose.
Functions[edit | edit source]
Saccharides serve several functions in organisms. They are a primary source of energy, play a role in cell signaling, and provide structural support in plants and arthropods.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD