CARBOHYDRATE Meaning and
Definition
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A carbohydrate is a type of molecule that serves as a vital source of energy for living organisms, including humans. It is a large biological molecule made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, usually with a ratio of two hydrogen atoms to one oxygen atom, similar to the ratio found in water (H2O).
Carbohydrates can be divided into several subtypes, including monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides are simple sugars, such as glucose, fructose, and galactose, which are the basic building blocks of carbohydrates. Disaccharides are formed by the chemical bonding of two monosaccharides, for instance sucrose (table sugar) composed of glucose and fructose. Polysaccharides, on the other hand, are complex carbohydrates made up of long chains of monosaccharides, such as starch, glycogen, and cellulose.
Carbohydrates play a crucial role in energy metabolism, being the primary source of fuel for the body, especially for the brain and muscles. Through a process called glycolysis, carbohydrates are broken down to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that supplies energy to cells. Additionally, carbohydrates contribute to the structure of certain biomolecules, such as DNA and RNA, and play crucial roles in cellular recognition and communication processes.
In summary, carbohydrates are essential macronutrients that provide energy and serve several important functions in living organisms, including energy production, structural support, and cell signaling.
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A substance containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, the two latter in the proportion to form water, H2O; the sugars, starches, and cellulose belong to the class of carbohydrates.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Top Common Misspellings for CARBOHYDRATE *
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Other Common Misspellings for CARBOHYDRATE
Etymology of CARBOHYDRATE
The word carbohydrate is derived from the French word hydrate de carbone.
Hydrate comes from the Latin word hydratus, which means to be watered or to be moistened. It stems from the Greek word hudor, meaning water. This term was used because carbohydrates have a general composition of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, much like water.
Carbone is the French word for carbon, originating from the Latin word carbo.
When combined, hydrate de carbone in French translates to carbon hydrate, referring to the composition of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in carbohydrates. This term was later Anglicized to become carbohydrate.
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