Complex Carbohydrates (College Board AP® Biology) : Study Guide

Structure & function in carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates are monomers of sugars bonded together by covalent bonds

• The types of monomer and the nature of the covalent bonds between monomers give each carbohydrate different properties and functions

  • Carbohydrate polymers may be linear, such as amylose, or branched, such as glycogen

Forming a carbohydrate

• Carbohydrate monomers can join together via dehydration synthesis reactions

  • A new covalent bond forms between two monomers, holding the carbohydrate together. A molecule of water is produced

Uses of Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates have different functions in biology

  • Energy storage such as

    • starch in plants

    • glycogen in animals

  • Structural uses:

    • Cellulose in plant cell walls

    • Chitin in animals such as insects

  • Dietary fiber

    • Many structural carbohydrates (e.g. cellulose) are largely indigestible and form a large part of the dietary fiber requirements in the animal diet