Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function, 7th Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073403717
ISBN 13: 978-0-07340-371-7

Chapter 2 - Section 2.4 - Organic Compounds - Apply What You Know - Page 59: 1

Answer

The name "carbohydrate" is quite appropriate for this class of compounds because it reflects their chemical composition. The name "carbohydrate" is derived from the words "carbon," "hydrogen," and "water," and it accurately describes the basic elements found in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates have a general chemical formula of (CH2O)n, where "n" represents the number of repeating units or monomers. This formula demonstrates the presence of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms in carbohydrates, typically in the ratio of 1:2:1, which mimics the ratio of hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water (H2O). For example, the simplest carbohydrate, glucose, has the molecular formula C6H12O6. Here, you can see that there are six carbon atoms, twelve hydrogen atoms, and six oxygen atoms, which adheres to the (CH2O)n general formula. This association with water (H2O) and the presence of carbon and hydrogen atoms in carbohydrates makes the name "carbohydrate" quite fitting. It's important to note that carbohydrates encompass a wide range of compounds, from simple sugars like glucose and fructose to complex polysaccharides like starch and cellulose, all of which share this basic chemical composition. So, the name "carbohydrate" effectively highlights their fundamental chemical structure and relationship to water.

Work Step by Step

The name "carbohydrate" is quite appropriate for this class of compounds because it reflects their chemical composition. The name "carbohydrate" is derived from the words "carbon," "hydrogen," and "water," and it accurately describes the basic elements found in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates have a general chemical formula of (CH2O)n, where "n" represents the number of repeating units or monomers. This formula demonstrates the presence of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms in carbohydrates, typically in the ratio of 1:2:1, which mimics the ratio of hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water (H2O). For example, the simplest carbohydrate, glucose, has the molecular formula C6H12O6. Here, you can see that there are six carbon atoms, twelve hydrogen atoms, and six oxygen atoms, which adheres to the (CH2O)n general formula. This association with water (H2O) and the presence of carbon and hydrogen atoms in carbohydrates makes the name "carbohydrate" quite fitting. It's important to note that carbohydrates encompass a wide range of compounds, from simple sugars like glucose and fructose to complex polysaccharides like starch and cellulose, all of which share this basic chemical composition. So, the name "carbohydrate" effectively highlights their fundamental chemical structure and relationship to water.
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