Question

1. what is the empirical formula for carbohydrates?
2. define the following terms and give two examples of each.

monosaccharide-
disaccharide-
polysaccharide-

1. name the three disaccharides that you need to know for this course.

Explanation:

1. Carbohydrates are organic compounds. The empirical formula for carbohydrates is \( (CH_2O)_n \). This formula is derived from the general composition of carbohydrates which contain carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) in a ratio similar to that of water (\( H_2O \)) with carbon.

2.

• Monosaccharide: A monosaccharide is the simplest form of carbohydrate that cannot be further hydrolyzed into simpler sugars. Examples: Glucose (\( C_6H_{12}O_6 \)) which is a hexose sugar and is the main source of energy for cells; Ribose (\( C_5H_{10}O_5 \)) which is important in the structure of RNA (ribonucleic acid).
• Disaccharide: A disaccharide is formed when two monosaccharide units are joined together by a glycosidic bond. Examples: Sucrose (\( C_{12}H_{22}O_{11} \)) which is composed of glucose and fructose and is common table sugar; Lactose (\( C_{12}H_{22}O_{11} \)) which is made up of glucose and galactose and is found in milk.
• Polysaccharide: A polysaccharide is a long - chain polymer of monosaccharides. Examples: Starch which is a storage polysaccharide in plants (composed of amylose and amylopectin); Glycogen which is a storage polysaccharide in animals (stored mainly in the liver and muscles).

Answer:

1. \( (CH_2O)_n \)

2.

• Monosaccharide: Simple, non - hydrolyzable sugar. E.g., Glucose, Ribose.
• Disaccharide: Two - monosaccharide - unit sugar. E.g., Sucrose, Lactose.
• Polysaccharide: Long - chain monosaccharide polymer. E.g., Starch, Glycogen.