How does the body use carbohydrates for energy, and what are the types of carbohydrates?
Answer (1)
Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy. They are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, often referred to as “sugars” or saccharides. When we eat foods rich in carbohydrates—like rice, bread, fruits, and vegetables—our body breaks them down into glucose, a simple sugar.Glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to cells. Inside the cells, glucose is used in a process called cellular respiration, where it is converted into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the molecule that stores and provides energy for nearly every activity in the body—from muscle movement to thinking.Types of CarbohydratesMonosaccharides – The simplest form, such as glucose and fructose.Disaccharides – Made up of two monosaccharides, like sucrose (table sugar).Oligosaccharides – Chains of 3 to 9 monosaccharides.Polysaccharides – Long chains of sugar units, such as starch and glycogen.When there’s more glucose than the body needs immediately, it is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen. This stored energy can be used later, such as during exercise or fasting.Carbohydrates also play a structural role. For example, cellulose is a carbohydrate that gives structure to plant cells, and though humans can’t digest it, it acts as dietary fiber, which helps with digestion.Learning about carbohydrates helps students understand energy balance, healthy diets, and diseases like diabetes. In anatomy and physiology, it's crucial to know how cells get the energy they need to function properly.
