Chemically, carbohydrates are defined as optically active polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones, or compounds that produce such units on hydrolysis. Sugars like sucrose and lactose, common carbohydrates, are also referred to as saccharides, deriving from the Greek word “sakcharon,” meaning sugar.
What is the chemical definition of carbohydrates, and how are they related to sugars like sucrose and lactose?
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Carbohydrates are organic compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically with a general formula (CHâ‚‚O)n. They serve as a primary source of energy in living organisms. Sugars like sucrose and lactose are specific types of carbohydrates known as disaccharides. Sucrose is composed of glucose and fructose, while lactose is made up of glucose and galactose. Both sugars are formed through dehydration synthesis, linking monosaccharide units with a glycosidic bond. Carbohydrates encompass a broad category, including monosaccharides (single sugar units), disaccharides (two linked sugar units), and polysaccharides (multiple linked sugar units), providing diverse roles in biological processes.