Question

Choose one of the following terms to match the description given. a. aldohexose n. glycogen b. saliva o. glycoside linkage c. antibody p. hormone d. cellulose q. hydrophobic e. \(\mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) I. inhibition f. cysteine s. ketohexoses g. denaturation t. oxytocin h. disaccharides u. pleated sheet i. disulfide v. polypeptide j. DNA w. polysaccharides k. enzymes x. primary structure 1\. fibrous y. substrate m. globular z. sucrose empirical formula leading to the name carbohydrate

Short answer

The correct term that matches the given description "empirical formula leading to the name carbohydrate" is: e. \(\mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{O}\)

Step-by-step solution

Understand the description

A carbohydrate is a biomolecule consisting of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms, usually with a hydrogen-oxygen atom ratio of 2:1. The empirical formula mentioned in the description is the simplest representation of the ratio of elements in a carbohydrate. We have to find the term that represents this empirical formula from the given options.

Match the term with the given description

As we know that the empirical formula for a carbohydrate has a hydrogen-oxygen atom ratio of 2:1, the correct term should be an expression of this ratio. Look through the list of terms provided, and identify which one matches the description. In this case, the term "e. \(\mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{O}\)" represents the empirical formula leading to the name carbohydrate. So, the correct answer is: e. \(\mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{O}\)

Key concepts

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are essential biomolecules that play a crucial role in providing energy to living organisms.
They are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, which is why they are often referred to as "saccharides."
Carbohydrates are categorized based on their structural complexity:

• Monosaccharides: The simplest form of carbohydrates, such as glucose and fructose. These are single sugar molecules.
• Disaccharides: Formed by two monosaccharides linked together, like sucrose and lactose.
• Polysaccharides: Comprised of long chains of monosaccharide units. Examples include starch, cellulose, and glycogen.

Carbohydrates serve as the primary energy source for many organisms, particularly through the metabolism of glucose.
In addition to providing fuel, carbohydrates are important for the structural and functional diversity in cells.
They are also involved in cell recognition and signaling processes.

Biomolecule

Biomolecules are the building blocks of life, encompassing a broad set of molecules that are essential in the biological processes of organisms.
They include proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates.
Each type of biomolecule has distinct roles and functions within biological systems:

• Proteins: Serve as enzymes, structural components, and signaling molecules.
• Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, the molecules responsible for storing and transferring genetic information.
• Lipids: Function as components of cell membranes, energy storage, and signaling.
• Carbohydrates: Provide energy, serve as signals for the immune system, and are involved in cell recognition.

Carbohydrates, one group of biomolecules, have a defining feature to include carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms in a specific ratio,
highlighting their role both as energy stores and structural components.
Understanding biomolecules is crucial for fields like biochemistry and molecular biology.

Hydrogen-Oxygen Ratio

The hydrogen-oxygen ratio in carbohydrates is a key indicator of their identity and function.
Typically, the ratio is 2:1, the same as in water, which is why carbohydrates often follow the empirical formula \(\mathrm{CH}_2\mathrm{O}\).
This means for every carbon atom, there are generally two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

• This ratio is integral in identifying carbohydrates empirically and differentiates them from other biomolecules.
• It also reflects their solubility in water, influence in metabolic pathways, and ability to store energy efficiently.
• The formula \(\mathrm{CH}_2\mathrm{O}\) suggests carbohydrates are hydrates of carbon, which is the origin of their name.

The hydrogen-oxygen ratio not only helps in distinguishing carbohydrates but also in predicting their reactions and interactions in biological systems.
Recognizing this ratio aids in understanding both simple sugars and complex carbohydrate structures in living organisms.