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Nov 26, 2025
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Understanding Carbohydrates: Basics and Importance
E
edits by mik
@editsbymik_drhc
1 / 5
Introduction to Biological Molecules
The four main biological molecules found in all organisms are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Most carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids are polymers - large molecules made up of smaller repeating units called monomers.
Carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen with the general formula (CH₂O)n. They range from simple sugars (monosaccharides) to complex structures. The basic building blocks are monosaccharides like glucose, fructose, and galactose, all of which are hexose sugars (containing six carbon atoms).
Glucose is particularly important as it comes in two forms: α-glucose and β-glucose. These are isomers - same molecular formula (C₆H₁₂O₆) but different structural arrangements. This small difference in structure dramatically changes how these molecules function in living organisms.
Quick Tip: Remember that polymers are formed through condensation reactions where water is removed, while they're broken down through hydrolysis reactions where water is added back.
Carbohydrate Structure and Function
Glucose exists in two forms that look similar but behave differently in your body. The α and β forms have their OH groups positioned differently, which affects how they connect to other molecules.
Some people experience lactose intolerance because they lack the enzyme lactase needed to break down lactose (milk sugar). This demonstrates how specific our body's chemical reactions are - even small molecular differences matter!
When monosaccharides join together, water is released in a condensation reaction. Conversely, polymers break down into monomers through hydrolysis reactions when water is added back. This is how your body processes complex carbohydrates.
Reducing sugars like maltose and lactose can form glycosidic bonds because they have a hydrogen that can dissociate from the carbon ring. When tested with Benedict's solution, reducing sugars turn the solution red. Sucrose is a non-reducing sugar and cannot form polysaccharides.
Remember This: Biological molecules can be remembered by their elements - carbohydrates contain CHO (Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen), while proteins add Nitrogen (CHON) and nucleic acids add Phosphorus (CHONP).
Disaccharides and Polysaccharides
Disaccharides form when two monosaccharides join together through a condensation reaction, creating a glycosidic bond. The three key disaccharides you should know are maltose , sucrose , and lactose .
Polysaccharides are formed when many monosaccharides link together through multiple condensation reactions. Unlike their smaller counterparts, polysaccharides are not sweet-tasting or easily soluble. The three important polysaccharides are starch, glycogen, and cellulose.
Glucose serves as the primary energy source for both plants and animals through respiration: Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water + ATP (energy). When your body has excess glucose that isn't immediately needed for energy, it's stored as polysaccharides.
These storage polysaccharides are perfect for energy storage because they're compact (lots of energy in a small space), insoluble (won't cause cells to burst from water intake), and too large to diffuse out of cells. Yet they can be quickly broken down when energy is needed.
Fun Fact: Smaller chains of polysaccharides are called oligosaccharides. Different polysaccharides have different functions based on which monosaccharides they contain and how those units are bonded together.
Energy Storage in Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides are ideal for energy storage because of their unique properties. Their large size prevents them from diffusing out of cells, while their insolubility doesn't affect the cell's water balance. They pack lots of energy into a small space and can be easily broken down when needed.
Starch is the main energy storage polysaccharide in plants. Found primarily in leaves and storage organs like potatoes, starch is packed into dense, insoluble grains inside organelles called amyloplasts. Plant storage organs contain many amyloplasts to ensure a sufficient energy reserve.
Starch is actually made up of two different polysaccharides: amylose and amylopectin. Both are made of α-glucose, but they have different structures that affect how quickly they can be broken down for energy.
Study Tip: Think of polysaccharides as your body's energy "savings account" - they store energy in a compact form that doesn't disrupt cell function but can be accessed when needed.
Types of Polysaccharides
Amylose is a long, unbranched chain of α-glucose molecules joined by 1,4 glycosidic bonds. Its compact structure makes it excellent for energy storage, as it packs many glucose molecules into a small space.
Amylopectin has a different structure - it's still made of α-glucose but has branches formed by 1,6 glycosidic bonds. These branches allow enzymes to access and break down the molecule more quickly, releasing glucose faster when energy is needed.
Glycogen is the animal equivalent of starch. Similar to amylopectin but with even more branches, glycogen allows for extremely quick glucose release during times of high energy demand. It's still compact, making it perfect for storage in animal cells.
Cellulose, unlike the other polysaccharides, is made from β-glucose molecules. These form long, unbranched chains linked together by hydrogen bonds to create strong microfibrils. This structure gives cellulose its strength, making it perfect for providing structural support in plant cell walls.
Critical Connection: Notice how the small difference between α-glucose and β-glucose completely changes the function of the resulting polysaccharide: α-glucose forms energy storage molecules, while β-glucose creates structural support elements.
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I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
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Brad T
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Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
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Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
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This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Carbohydrates: Basics and Importance
E
edits by mik
@editsbymik_drhc
Biological molecules are the building blocks of life, essential for all living organisms. Four main types exist: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Understanding these molecules helps explain how cells store energy and build their structures.
Introduction to Biological Molecules
The four main biological molecules found in all organisms are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Most carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids are polymers - large molecules made up of smaller repeating units called monomers.
Carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen with the general formula (CH₂O)n. They range from simple sugars (monosaccharides) to complex structures. The basic building blocks are monosaccharides like glucose, fructose, and galactose, all of which are hexose sugars (containing six carbon atoms).
Glucose is particularly important as it comes in two forms: α-glucose and β-glucose. These are isomers - same molecular formula (C₆H₁₂O₆) but different structural arrangements. This small difference in structure dramatically changes how these molecules function in living organisms.
Quick Tip: Remember that polymers are formed through condensation reactions where water is removed, while they're broken down through hydrolysis reactions where water is added back.
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Carbohydrate Structure and Function
Glucose exists in two forms that look similar but behave differently in your body. The α and β forms have their OH groups positioned differently, which affects how they connect to other molecules.
Some people experience lactose intolerance because they lack the enzyme lactase needed to break down lactose (milk sugar). This demonstrates how specific our body's chemical reactions are - even small molecular differences matter!
When monosaccharides join together, water is released in a condensation reaction. Conversely, polymers break down into monomers through hydrolysis reactions when water is added back. This is how your body processes complex carbohydrates.
Reducing sugars like maltose and lactose can form glycosidic bonds because they have a hydrogen that can dissociate from the carbon ring. When tested with Benedict's solution, reducing sugars turn the solution red. Sucrose is a non-reducing sugar and cannot form polysaccharides.
Remember This: Biological molecules can be remembered by their elements - carbohydrates contain CHO (Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen), while proteins add Nitrogen (CHON) and nucleic acids add Phosphorus (CHONP).
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Disaccharides and Polysaccharides
Disaccharides form when two monosaccharides join together through a condensation reaction, creating a glycosidic bond. The three key disaccharides you should know are maltose , sucrose , and lactose .
Polysaccharides are formed when many monosaccharides link together through multiple condensation reactions. Unlike their smaller counterparts, polysaccharides are not sweet-tasting or easily soluble. The three important polysaccharides are starch, glycogen, and cellulose.
Glucose serves as the primary energy source for both plants and animals through respiration: Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water + ATP (energy). When your body has excess glucose that isn't immediately needed for energy, it's stored as polysaccharides.
These storage polysaccharides are perfect for energy storage because they're compact (lots of energy in a small space), insoluble (won't cause cells to burst from water intake), and too large to diffuse out of cells. Yet they can be quickly broken down when energy is needed.
Fun Fact: Smaller chains of polysaccharides are called oligosaccharides. Different polysaccharides have different functions based on which monosaccharides they contain and how those units are bonded together.
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Energy Storage in Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides are ideal for energy storage because of their unique properties. Their large size prevents them from diffusing out of cells, while their insolubility doesn't affect the cell's water balance. They pack lots of energy into a small space and can be easily broken down when needed.
Starch is the main energy storage polysaccharide in plants. Found primarily in leaves and storage organs like potatoes, starch is packed into dense, insoluble grains inside organelles called amyloplasts. Plant storage organs contain many amyloplasts to ensure a sufficient energy reserve.
Starch is actually made up of two different polysaccharides: amylose and amylopectin. Both are made of α-glucose, but they have different structures that affect how quickly they can be broken down for energy.
Study Tip: Think of polysaccharides as your body's energy "savings account" - they store energy in a compact form that doesn't disrupt cell function but can be accessed when needed.
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Types of Polysaccharides
Amylose is a long, unbranched chain of α-glucose molecules joined by 1,4 glycosidic bonds. Its compact structure makes it excellent for energy storage, as it packs many glucose molecules into a small space.
Amylopectin has a different structure - it's still made of α-glucose but has branches formed by 1,6 glycosidic bonds. These branches allow enzymes to access and break down the molecule more quickly, releasing glucose faster when energy is needed.
Glycogen is the animal equivalent of starch. Similar to amylopectin but with even more branches, glycogen allows for extremely quick glucose release during times of high energy demand. It's still compact, making it perfect for storage in animal cells.
Cellulose, unlike the other polysaccharides, is made from β-glucose molecules. These form long, unbranched chains linked together by hydrogen bonds to create strong microfibrils. This structure gives cellulose its strength, making it perfect for providing structural support in plant cell walls.
Critical Connection: Notice how the small difference between α-glucose and β-glucose completely changes the function of the resulting polysaccharide: α-glucose forms energy storage molecules, while β-glucose creates structural support elements.
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What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user