Carbohydrates: Isomerism, Glycosidic Bonds, and Macromolecular Roles
Students will explore the structure and function of carbohydrates, understanding their roles as primary energy sources and structural components in living organisms.
About This Topic
Students will explore the structure and function of carbohydrates, understanding their roles as primary energy sources and structural components in living organisms.
Key Questions
- Explain how the α and β configurations at the anomeric carbon of glucose give rise to structurally and functionally distinct polysaccharides, and justify why only organisms possessing β-glucosidase can hydrolyse cellulose.
- Apply the results of Benedict's test, iodine test, and hydrolysis followed by Benedict's test to identify the types of carbohydrates present in an unknown sample, justifying each inference with reference to molecular structure.
- Evaluate the claim that glycogen is better suited than starch as an energy storage molecule in animal cells, considering branching frequency, rate of glucose release, and the osmotic consequences of storing equivalent energy as free glucose.
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