CHAPTER 16: Unit 1. Carbohydrates Definition

Carbohydrates Definition

Carbohydrates are special aldehydes and ketones with many hydroxyl groups. They have similar chemical
Properties of normal aldehydes and ketones. Their physical properties might differ from normal aldehydes and ketones.

Carbohydrates are considered as sources of energy transport and storage and structure for many insects, bacteria, animals including humans as well as plants.

The video below explains the carbohydrates in some details.

Carbohydrates are chemical compounds found in nature in plants. Animal carbohydrates are produced in animals in a process called glycogenolysis through glycogen breakdown. Glycogen will be introduced later on.

Carbohydrates contribute to sweet compounds found in nature such as kitchen sugar (sucrose), honey (fructose and glucose), and potatoes (polysaccharide amylose) to name a few.