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(i) What are carbohydrates? (ii) State the properties and characteristics of Monosaccharides

i) What are carbohydrates?

ii) What are Monosaccharides?

iii) State the properties and characteristics of Monosaccharides

Answers

Felix
i) Carbohydrates

Are compounds of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio of 1:2: l.
They have a general formula (CH2O)n where n represents the number of carbon atoms.
Carbohydrates are grouped into three categories:

ii) Monosaccharides

These are the simplest carbohydrates.
They include glucose, fructose, galactose.
Their general formula is C6H12O6.

iii) Properties of Monosaccharides

They are sweet tasting
They readily dissolve in water
They are crystallisable
They are reducing sugars; monosaccharides reduce blue copper (II) sulphate in Benedict’s solution to red brown copper (I) oxide when heated.
Note:

Most fruits are sweet tasting because they contain a lot of monosaccharides.
Monosaccharide units can be combined to form complex carbohydrate molecules through a process known as condensation. Water molecules are produced in the process. Functions
They are the chief respiratory substrate. They are broken down to release energy in the body.
They are condensed to form complex important carbohydrates.
Anganifelix answered the question on May 9, 2018 at 16:31

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