History Biography Geography Science Games

Biology for Kids

Carbohydrates

• Monosaccharides - Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates. They include sugars such as glucose and fructose. Monosaccharides often taste sweet and dissolve in water. Glucose is a common carbohydrate found in plants and is the main product of photosynthesis.
• Disaccharides - Disaccharides are formed from two Monosaccharides. They are also known as sugars such as sucrose and lactose. Lactose is the carbohydrate found in milk.
• Oligosaccharides - Oligosaccharides are formed from a small number (usually three to six) of monosaccharides.
• Polysaccharides - Polysaccharides are long carbohydrate molecules. They are often called complex carbohydrates.

• Starches - Starches are a way that many plants store energy. We can then eat starches and our bodies will use the energy.
• Glycogen - Animals use glycogen to store energy. It is stored in the liver and the muscles to be used when needed.
• Cellulose - Cellulose is used in plants as a structural molecule. It can't be digested by animals.
• Chitin - Chitin is used as a structural molecule in fungi and arthropods.

• Most of the time, the hydrogen to oxygen atom ratio of a carbohydrate is 2 hydrogen atoms for every 1 oxygen atom. This is the same ratio as in water (H2O).
• The word "saccharide" comes from the Greek word "sakkharon" which means "sugar."
• Carbohydrates make up between 2 and 3 percent of the average person's body mass.
• Some carbs help our bodies to absorb calcium.
• Many people try using a low carb diet to lose weight, but we all need some carbohydrates to survive.
• Carbohydrates help to insure that our cells get the energy they need to perform well.

• Take a ten question quiz about this page.


• Listen to a recorded reading of this page:

Search Ducksters

US History Native Americans Colonial America American Revolution Industrial Revolution American Civil War Westward Expansion The Great Depression Civil Rights Movement Pre-1900s 1900 to Present US Government US State History Homework Animals Math History Biography Money and Finance Biography Artists Civil Rights Leaders Entrepreneurs Explorers Inventors and Scientists Women Leaders World Leaders US Presidents Games Math Games Puzzle Games Word Games Geography Games Classic Games Sports Games Arcade Games Typing Games World History Ancient Africa Ancient China Ancient Egypt Ancient Greece Ancient Mesopotamia Ancient Rome Middle Ages Islamic Empire Renaissance Aztec, Maya, Inca French Revolution World War 1 World War 2 Cold War Art History Science Biology Chemistry Earth Science Physics Geography United States Africa Asia Central America Europe Middle East North America Oceania South America Southeast Asia Fun Stuff Arts and Crafts Holidays Jokes for Kids Movies Music Sports

About Ducksters Privacy Policy 

 

This site is a product of TSI (Technological Solutions, Inc.), Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use.