Questions on Carbohydrates

1. Explain why glucose C₆H₁₂O₆ is considered to be a carbohydrate, whereas methanal, which also contains a carbonyl (>C=O) group and has the empirical formula CH₂O is not.

2. State four different major functions of polysaccharides in the human body.

3. Explain how the straight chain form of solid D-glucose forms a ring structure when it is dissolved in water. (The structures of both the straight chain form and α-glucose are given in Section 34 of the data booklet)

4. Explain why the amylose form of starch is insoluble in cold water whereas the amylopectin form of starch is soluble in cold water.

5. Deduce the equation for the condensation reaction that can occur between two α-D-glucose molecules to form a molecule of maltose, which contains a 1,4- glycosidic link.

6. Outline what is meant by dietary fibre and state three reasons why a diet high in dietary fibre is important.

Download the Carbohydrate questions to give to your students.