2.2.1

Monosaccharides

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Types of Monosaccharides

Carbohydrates are made of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. They are made from monosaccharides, which are simple sugars containing three to seven carbon atoms.

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Examples of monosaccharides

  • Monosaccharides are simple sugars. Examples include:
    • Glucose.
    • Galactose (found in milk).
    • Fructose (found in fruit).
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Glucose

  • Glucose is a hexose sugar that has the chemical formula C6H12O6.
  • Glucose is an important source of energy in humans.
  • During cellular respiration, the energy released from glucose helps to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
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Alpha vs beta glucose

  • Alpha- and beta-glucose are isomers. Isomers have the same molecular formula but a different arrangement of atoms in space.
  • The carbon atoms are numbered from 1 – 6 and the OH (hydroxyl) groups are in a different orientation around C1.

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1Cell Biology

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7AHL: Nucleic Acids

8AHL: Metabolism, Cell Respiration & Photosynthesis

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9.1Transport in the Xylem of Plants

9.2Transport in the Phloem of Plants

9.3Growth in Plants

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