The Chemistry of Carbohydrates and Their Biological Functions

Abstract

Carbohydrates are a diverse group of biomolecules composed primarily of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They perform essential functions in living organisms, including energy production, energy storage, structural support, cell recognition, and molecular signaling. Their chemical behavior is determined by features such as carbonyl groups, hydroxyl groups, stereochemistry, ring formation, and glycosidic linkages. Carbohydrates range from simple monosaccharides such as glucose and fructose to disaccharides and complex polysaccharides such as starch, glycogen, cellulose, and chitin. This paper examines nine major dimensions of carbohydrate chemistry and biological function, including molecular structure, classification, stereochemistry, digestion and metabolism, energy storage, structural roles, cell recognition, dietary significance, and emerging biochemical applications.