Summary of "Carbohydrates : Definition, Classification ( Monosaccharides, Disaccharides and Oligo saccharides )"
Carbohydrates are hydrated carbon chains consisting of hydration, carbon chains, and either an aldehyde or ketone functional group. The smallest possible carbohydrate, glyceraldehyde and dihydroxy acetone, have three carbons. Monosaccharides are the building blocks of Carbohydrates, with a universal formula of CNH2ON. Examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose, which are isomers. Derived sugars like amino sugars, glycosides, and alcohol sugars are formed by adding extra groups to Monosaccharides.
Disaccharides are formed by joining two Monosaccharides via a glycosidic bond. Examples include maltose, lactose, and sucrose. Disaccharides can be reducing or non-reducing sugars, with sucrose and trehalose being non-reducing. The Benedict test can differentiate between reducing and non-reducing sugars.
Oligosaccharides consist of 3-10 monosaccharide units linked by glycosidic bonds. They can be linked to proteins to form Glycoproteins, with examples like Blood group antigens and immunoglobulins. The GPI-linked glycoprotein is important for protecting RBCs from hemolysis in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Polysaccharides, or glycans, are formed by more than 10 monosaccharide units and can be homo or heteropolysaccharides. Homopolysaccharides have the same monosaccharide units, while heteropolysaccharides have different units.
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