The Functions of Carbohydrates in the Body - Carbohydrates function as the primary cellular energy source. They have an empirical formula of [C(H2O)]n/sub>. The main types of carbohydrates are monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
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| Function of Carbohydrates |
Carbohydrates are not just those things that you try to avoid when you are on a diet. All living things (plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms) contain and utilize carbohydrates for their primary) source of energy. In addition, carbohydrates also serve a structural function in all living things. For example, plants are supported structurally by a carbohydrate called cellulose, which exists in their cell walls. Both plants and animals store reserves of excess carbohydrates, as either starch (in plants) or glycogen (animal starch). Carbohydrates fall into three major categories: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
An empirical formula is one that indicates the type and number of atoms within a molecule. When we compare the empirical formulas of most carbohydrates, we find carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Carbohydrates are literally watered (or hydrated) carbons C(H2O) as the name carbohydrate suggests, and their generalized empirical formula is [C(H2O)]n. The n designates the number of carbohydrate units in the molecule. The category to which a specific carbohydrate belongs depends on the number of units it possesses. (Source: Avila, Vernon L. Biology : Investigating Life On Earth Jones and Bartlett/Bookmark Series in Biology Page 55)
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