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Describe the molecular structure of starch (amylase), glycogen and cellulose, and relate these structures to their functions in living organisms.
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Describe the molecular structure of starch (amylase), glycogen and cellulose, and relate these structures to their functions in living organisms. Carbohydrates are the main energy source for the human body. Chemically, carbohydrates are organic molecules in which carbon, hydrogen and oxygen bond together in the ratio: Cx(H2O)y where x and y are whole numbers that differ depending on the specific carbohydrate to which we are referring. Animals (including humans) break down carbohydrates during the process of metabolism to release energy. For example, the chemical metabolism of the sugar glucose is shown below: C6H12O6 + 6 O2 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + energy Animals obtain carbohydrates by eating foods that contain them, for example potatoes, rice, breads, etc. These carbohydrates are manufactured by plants during the process of photosynthesis. Plants harvest energy from sunlight to run the reaction described above in reverse: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + energy (from sunlight) C6H12O6 +...
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