Question

What is the classification of carbohydrates on the basis of their behavior on hydrolysis?

Answer 1

Carbohydrates:

Carbohydrates are biomolecules consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Classification of carbohydrates:

On the basis of the behavior shown by carbohydrates on hydrolysis, they are categorized into three types: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

1. Monosaccharides: These are the smallest carbohydrate molecules of ketones or polyhydroxy aldehydes that cannot be hydrolyzed further to produce a smaller molecule with these functional groups. Example: Glucose.
2. Disaccharides: These are the molecules that are formed by the glycosidic linkage between the two sugar molecules. These carbohydrates when hydrolyzed yield two monosaccharide molecules. Example: Sucrose, maltose, and lactose.
3. Polysaccharides: These are the carbohydrates that are formed by the linkage between many monosaccharides. On hydrolysis, these carbohydrates yield a large number of monosaccharides. Example: Starch, glycogen, and cellulose.