Carbohydrates
Matter comprises of elements in different combinations. The most abundant elements found in living organisms are carbon, Sulphur, hydrogen, phosphorus, oxygen, and nitrogen (Clark, Chou, & Douglass, 2018). These elements then combine to form carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids that are vital components of living matter. Macromolecules like carbohydrates are a subset of organic molecules that are important to life (Royal Society of Chemistry, n.d). Carbohydrates are composed of oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. Carbohydrates are the most abundant organic compounds in nature. The carbon atom is a fundamental component that has unique properties allowing it to form covalent bonds with hydrogen and oxygen atoms (Clark, Chou, & Douglass, 2018). The general empirical structure of carbohydrates is (CH20)n, with n being the number of carbon atoms (Royal Society of Chemistry, n.d). The ratio of oxygen atoms to hydrogen atoms in carbohydrates are usually one is to 2.
Carbohydrates are also referred to as saccharides. They function as a source of energy for the human body, such as glucose and starch, as a store for energy in plants. Glucose and starch are used by the cell in human bodies and plants, respectively, to provide energy for cellular functions (Mayo Clinic, 2017). Carbohydrates also function as components of other molecules like glycolipids, ATP, RNA, and DNA (Rauter, A. P., & Xavier, N. M. (2019). It also serves as building blocks for polysaccharides like glycogen in the human body and cellulose in plants. Carbohydrates are significant in the diet. They offer essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals in the human body (Mayo Clinic, 2017). They also provide the body with fiber, which is a complex carbohydrate from plants. Fiber plays an vital role in protecting the body against diseases and controlling weight. Evidence suggests that cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and obesity (Rauter & Xavier, 2019). Fiber also helps in optimal gut health.
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References
Clark, M., A, Chou, J., & Douglass, M. (2018). Biology 2e. OpenStax. Rice University, Houston Texas.
Mayo Clinic. (2017) Carbohydrates and your health. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/carbohydrates/art-20045705
Rauter, A. P., & Xavier, N. M. (2019). Special Issue “Carbohydrates 2018”. Pharmaceuticals
Royal Society of Chemistry. (n.d). Carbohydrates. Chemistry for biologists. Retrieved from https://www.rsc.org/Education/Teachers/Resources/cfb/carbohydrates.htm
