Saccharides

Saccharides (also known as carbohydrates) are a type of biomolecule that consist of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms. They are one of the four major types of biomolecules, the other three being proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Saccharides are important for various biological processes, including providing energy, regulating metabolism, and contributing to the immune system.

Classification

Saccharides can be classified into four chemical groups: monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides.

• Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates. They consist of one sugar and are usually colorless, water-soluble, and crystalline solids. Some monosaccharides have a sweet taste. Examples of monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

• Disaccharides are made up of two monosaccharides joined together by a glycosidic linkage. Examples of disaccharides include sucrose, lactose, and maltose.

• Oligosaccharides consist of three to ten monosaccharides. They are often found attached to proteins and lipids on the cell surface and play a key role in cell-cell recognition.

• Polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds. They can be branched or unbranched. Examples of polysaccharides include starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Functions

Saccharides perform several functions in organisms. They serve as energy storage (e.g., starch and glycogen), provide structural support (e.g., cellulose in plants and chitin in arthropods), and are involved in cell signaling and recognition (e.g., oligosaccharides).

See also

• Monosaccharide
• Disaccharide
• Oligosaccharide
• Polysaccharide
• Carbohydrate metabolism

Saccharides Resources
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