Carbohydrates

Definition

Carbohydrates are organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, often with the formula (CH2O)n. They serve as a primary energy source and structural components in microbial cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carbohydrates can be classified into monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides based on their complexity.
2. Monosaccharides like glucose are essential for cellular respiration in microbes.
3. Polysaccharides such as peptidoglycan play a crucial role in bacterial cell wall structure.
4. Microbes can utilize carbohydrates through glycolysis and fermentation pathways to produce ATP.
5. Some bacteria possess enzymes like amylase to break down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars.

Review Questions

• What are the three classifications of carbohydrates based on their complexity?
• Why is glucose important for microbial cellular respiration?
• How do bacteria use polysaccharides in their cell walls?

Related terms

Monosaccharide: A simple sugar molecule that cannot be hydrolyzed into simpler compounds.

Glycolysis:

The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH.

Peptidoglycan:

A complex polysaccharide found in bacterial cell walls that provides structural strength.