How Well Do You Know About Carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body because they are broken down into glucose, which is then used by the body's cells to produce ATP, the molecule that provides energy for cellular processes. Without an adequate supply of carbohydrates, the body would have to rely on alternative energy sources, such as fat and protein, which are not as efficient or readily available. Therefore, it is true that carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body.

Carbohydrates serve as a major source of energy and are involved in various functions in the body. They are stored in the form of glycogen in the liver and muscles, providing a readily available source of energy when needed. Additionally, carbohydrates play a crucial role in providing structural support and framework in the body. For example, they are a key component of cell membranes and connective tissues, contributing to the structural integrity of cells and tissues. Therefore, the major function of carbohydrates is both storage and providing a structural framework in the body.

The three main subcategories of carbohydrates are monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates and cannot be further broken down into smaller units. Oligosaccharides consist of a few monosaccharide units linked together. Polysaccharides are made up of many monosaccharide units and are the largest and most complex form of carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. The ratio of these atoms in carbohydrates is 1:2:1, meaning that for every carbon atom, there are two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. This ratio is consistent across different types of carbohydrates, such as sugars, starches, and cellulose. It is this ratio that gives carbohydrates their characteristic structure and properties, allowing them to serve as a major source of energy in living organisms.

Glyceraldehyde is an example of the smallest carbohydrate known as "triose" because it is a three-carbon sugar. Trioses are the simplest type of carbohydrates, consisting of only three carbon atoms. Glyceraldehyde fits this criteria as it has three carbon atoms in its structure, making it the correct answer. Ribose and glucose are not examples of trioses as they have five and six carbon atoms, respectively. "All of the above" is incorrect as it includes ribose and glucose, which are not trioses.

D-type monosaccharides are found abundantly in the human body. Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, and they are the main source of energy for the body. D-type monosaccharides, such as glucose and fructose, are commonly found in fruits, vegetables, and grains, which are essential components of a balanced diet. These monosaccharides are easily metabolized by the body and provide a quick source of energy. Therefore, D-type monosaccharides are the most abundant type of monosaccharides found in the human body.

Glucuronic acid has reducing properties because it can donate electrons to other substances, resulting in their reduction. This is due to the presence of a carbonyl group in its structure, which can be easily oxidized to a carboxylate group. As a result, glucuronic acid can act as a reducing agent in various biochemical reactions, such as detoxification processes in the liver.

The general formula for carbohydrates is (CH2O)n. This formula represents the basic structure of carbohydrates, which consists of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms in a ratio of 1:2:1. The "n" represents the number of repeating units in the carbohydrate molecule, which can vary. Therefore, (C4H2O)n is the correct formula for carbohydrates.

Simple sugars are the building blocks of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are composed of sugar molecules, and simple sugars, also known as monosaccharides, are the smallest units of carbohydrates. They cannot be further broken down into simpler sugars, making them the basic components of more complex carbohydrates. Examples of simple sugars include glucose, fructose, and galactose. These sugars can combine through chemical reactions to form disaccharides and polysaccharides, which make up more complex carbohydrates like starch, cellulose, and glycogen.