Answer
The names and basic structural differences between three monosaccharides, three disaccharides, and three polysaccharides that are abundant in the diet and relevant in human physiology:
**Monosaccharides:**
1. **Glucose:** Glucose is a six-carbon sugar (hexose) with the molecular formula C6H12O6. It is a primary source of energy for cells and is found in various carbohydrates, including starch and glycogen.
2. **Fructose:** Fructose is another hexose sugar with the same molecular formula as glucose (C6H12O6) but with a different structural arrangement. It is commonly found in fruits and honey and is known for its sweet taste.
3. **Galactose:** Galactose is also a hexose sugar (C6H12O6) and is found in milk and dairy products. It is less sweet than glucose and fructose.
**Disaccharides:**
1. **Sucrose:** Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of one glucose molecule and one fructose molecule linked together. It is commonly known as table sugar and is found in sugar cane, sugar beets, and many sweet foods.
2. **Lactose:** Lactose is a disaccharide composed of one glucose molecule and one galactose molecule linked together. It is the sugar found in milk and dairy products.
3. **Maltose:** Maltose is a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules linked together. It is often produced during the digestion of starch and is found in malted foods and beverages.
**Polysaccharides:**
1. **Starch:** Starch is a polysaccharide consisting of multiple glucose molecules linked together in long chains. It serves as a storage form of energy in plants and is found in foods like potatoes, rice, and grains.
2. **Glycogen:** Glycogen is a polysaccharide composed of numerous glucose molecules linked together in highly branched chains. It is the primary storage form of glucose in animals, particularly in the liver and muscles.
3. **Cellulose:** Cellulose is a structural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants. It consists of long chains of glucose molecules linked together, but the linkage differs from starch and glycogen, making it indigestible by humans. However, it provides dietary fiber and aids in digestive health.
These monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides play crucial roles in human physiology, serving as sources of energy, structural components, and dietary fiber. They are obtained from various foods in the diet and are involved in processes such as digestion, energy storage, and cell structure.
Work Step by Step
The names and basic structural differences between three monosaccharides, three disaccharides, and three polysaccharides that are abundant in the diet and relevant in human physiology:
**Monosaccharides:**
1. **Glucose:** Glucose is a six-carbon sugar (hexose) with the molecular formula C6H12O6. It is a primary source of energy for cells and is found in various carbohydrates, including starch and glycogen.
2. **Fructose:** Fructose is another hexose sugar with the same molecular formula as glucose (C6H12O6) but with a different structural arrangement. It is commonly found in fruits and honey and is known for its sweet taste.
3. **Galactose:** Galactose is also a hexose sugar (C6H12O6) and is found in milk and dairy products. It is less sweet than glucose and fructose.
**Disaccharides:**
1. **Sucrose:** Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of one glucose molecule and one fructose molecule linked together. It is commonly known as table sugar and is found in sugar cane, sugar beets, and many sweet foods.
2. **Lactose:** Lactose is a disaccharide composed of one glucose molecule and one galactose molecule linked together. It is the sugar found in milk and dairy products.
3. **Maltose:** Maltose is a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules linked together. It is often produced during the digestion of starch and is found in malted foods and beverages.
**Polysaccharides:**
1. **Starch:** Starch is a polysaccharide consisting of multiple glucose molecules linked together in long chains. It serves as a storage form of energy in plants and is found in foods like potatoes, rice, and grains.
2. **Glycogen:** Glycogen is a polysaccharide composed of numerous glucose molecules linked together in highly branched chains. It is the primary storage form of glucose in animals, particularly in the liver and muscles.
3. **Cellulose:** Cellulose is a structural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants. It consists of long chains of glucose molecules linked together, but the linkage differs from starch and glycogen, making it indigestible by humans. However, it provides dietary fiber and aids in digestive health.
These monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides play crucial roles in human physiology, serving as sources of energy, structural components, and dietary fiber. They are obtained from various foods in the diet and are involved in processes such as digestion, energy storage, and cell structure.