Question

Explain how carbohydrates are used by living organisms.

Answer 1

Carbohydrates are molecules that constitute more oxygen than fats and proteins and it needs only fewer molecules of oxygen for their oxidation. Carbohydrates are termed to be stored as glycogen in tissues for generating energy whenever required.

Complete answer:
Carbohydrates are more required for the generation of energy in the body than proteins and fats because carbohydrate molecules constitute relatively more oxygen than fat and proteins and consequently, they need fewer molecules of oxygen for their oxidation. Carbohydrates remain stored in the tissue in the form of glycogen for use in the production of energy, when necessary.

Starch and sugar are the two main kinds of carbohydrates that are present in our food.
Starch: The carbohydrates are present as reserve food as starch in most of the plants. Starch is present in the form of starch grains whose shape and size are species-varied. Starch is a kind of polysaccharide which is glucose monomers connected together. Starch is generated in the green leaves of plants from the excess of glucose produced during the process of photosynthesis.

Sugar: It is the kind of sweet and water-soluble compound that occurs in the sap of seeded plants and the milk of mammals and produces the simplest group of carbohydrates. Chemically these are termed as monosaccharides. Sucrose is defined as the most common sugar, crystalline, and industrial sweetener used in foods and beverages.

Note: Carbohydrates are divided into Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, Polyols, Oligosaccharides, and Polysaccharides 4 calories of energy per gram of energy is synthesized in the human cells when metabolizing the carbohydrates