Introduction

Carbohydrates are the major source of food and the major form of energy for most living organisms. When individual carbohydrate molecules combine together to form larger structures (or polymers) they can also serve as long term food storage (i.e. starch), as protective coverings (i.e. chitin) and as the main structural support for plants (i.e. cellulose).

The video below explains carbohydrates in detail.

Summary

• Carbohydrates are a family of biomolecules that include sugars, starches, cellulose, and chitin.
• Sugars include monosaccharides (such as glucose) and disaccharides (such as sucrose). They are used for temporary energy storage and the construction of larger biomolecules, including complex carbohydrates.
• Starches (found in plants) and glycogen (found in animals) are polysaccharides which provide long-term energy storage.
• Cellulose forms the cell walls of plants and provides rigidity and structure.  Similarly, chitin strengthens the exoskeletons of many invertebrates.

Sources:

“Introduction to carbohydrates.” Kahn Academy. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/6o4WL5jlpn0 Licensed under: Standard YouTube License