01. Carbohydrates
Definition: Organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, mainly used for energy and structural purposes.
Classification, Examples, and Functions
| Type | Example | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Monosaccharides (single sugars) | Glucose, Fructose, Galactose | Immediate energy source; building blocks for other carbohydrates |
| Disaccharides (two sugars) | Sucrose, Lactose, Maltose | Transport of sugars; short-term energy supply |
| Polysaccharides (many sugars) | Starch, Glycogen, Cellulose, Chitin | Energy storage (starch in plants, glycogen in animals); structural support (cellulose in plant cell wall, chitin in exoskeletons) |
2. Proteins
Definition: Polymers of amino acids, essential for structure, function, and regulation of the body.
Classification, Examples, and Functions
| Type | Example | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Fibrous Proteins (structural) | Collagen, Keratin | Provide strength and support to tissues; form hair, nails, connective tissue |
| Globular Proteins (functional) | Hemoglobin, Insulin, Enzymes | Enzymatic activity (catalysis), transport of molecules (oxygen), regulation (hormones) |
| Defensive Proteins | Antibodies | Protect body from infections and foreign substances |
| Transport Proteins | Hemoglobin, Myoglobin | Carry oxygen and other substances in blood and tissues |
3. Key Points to Remember
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Carbohydrates: Source of energy, storage (starch, glycogen), and structural role (cellulose, chitin).
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Proteins: Essential for structure, enzymes, transport, defense, and regulation.
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Monosaccharides → Disaccharides → Polysaccharides (increasing complexity).
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Protein structures: Fibrous for support, Globular for functions.
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Both are vital biomolecules for life processes, growth, and metabolism.
