Topic 9 Carbohydrates

Figure 9.1: Photosynthesis

During photosynthesis (see figure 9.1), the basic carbohydrate glucose is formed.

Insoluble carbohydrate polymers (e.g., cellulose) serve as structural and protective elements in the cell walls of bacteria and plants and in the connective tissue of animals.

Many complex carbohydrate polymers are also covalently attached to proteins or lipids; these attached polymers are called glycoconjugates. These polymers also act as signals that determine the intracellular location or metabolic fate of proteins or lipids.

Figure 9.2: Functions of Carbohydrates

As seen in figure 9.2, carbohydrates play numerous roles in biochemistry, including…

1. generating and storing energy
2. molecular recognition
3. cellular protection
4. cell signalling
5. cell adhesion
6. biological lubricants
7. controlling protein trafficking
8. maintaining biological structures (e.g., cellulose)