Carbohydrate chemistry

Carbohydrate chemistry involves the study of sugars and their structures, functions, and reactions. Carbohydrates are organic molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, primarily serving as energy sources and structural components. They range from simple sugars like glucose to complex forms like starch and cellulose. Chemically, they can exist as mono-, di-, or polysaccharides, with structures that influence their biological roles. Understanding their chemistry helps in fields like nutrition, medicine, and bioengineering, as it reveals how these molecules are synthesized, broken down, and interact within living organisms.