Question

What is the classification of carbohydrates?

Answer 1

Carbohydrates:

• Carbohydrates are large macromolecules that are comprised of atoms of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen.
• The general formula for carbohydrates is ${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{x}}{\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\right)}_{\mathrm{y}}$.

Classification of carbohydrates:

Carbohydrates are broadly classified into three categories:

1. Monosaccharides:

• The carbohydrates that cannot be further hydrolyzed to give simpler units of polyhydroxy aldehyde or ketone are called monosaccharides.
• Examples are glucose, fructose, and ribose.
• Structure of glucose is shown below.

2. Oligosaccharides:

• The carbohydrates that give$2\mathrm{to}10$ units of monosaccharides on hydrolysis are called oligosaccharides.
• Oligosaccharides are further classified into different types depending upon the monosaccharide units.
• Example: One molecule of maltose is composed of two units of glucose.

3. Polysaccharides:

• The carbohydrates that produce a large number of monosaccharide units on hydrolysis are called polysaccharides.
• Examples are starch, cellulose, and glycogen.