Carbohydrates •
Most abundant biomolecules on Earth
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Polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones, or substances that yield such compounds on hydrolysis.
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Carbohydrates have the empirical formula (CH2O)n; some also contain nitrogen, phosphorus, or sulfur
Classes of carbohydrates
Monosaccharides (contain single aldehyde or ketone unit)
Oligosaccharides (contains 2-10 monosaccharide units)
Polysaccharides (contain more than 10 monosaccharide units)
Monosaccharides • • •
Monosaccharides are colorless, crystalline solids that are freely soluble in water but insoluble in non-polar solvents. Most have a sweet taste Monosaccharides Have Asymmetric (chiral) Centers. Hence, occur in optically active isomeric forms or enantiomers called as D & L isoforms
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