Importance of Carbohydrates

Provide major source of energy (4.1C) 2.

Protein sparing action. 3.

Breakdown of fatty acids and preventing ketosis4.

Biological recognition processes of immunoglobulinsand self MHCs. 5.

Flavor and Sweeteners.6.

Dietary fiber (Cellulose). 7.

Derivatives of cellulose such as cellulose nitrates areused in explosives, lacquers, celluloid and collodion.Cellulose acetate is used in photographic film andpacking materials. 8.

Regulation of various metabolic processes in the bodyas key molecules in the central metabolic pathways of the body. 9.

Serve also as stored forms of energy as glycogen inliver and muscles. 10.

Protection of bacterial cells as bacterial cell wallpolysaccharides, made up of muerin (N-acetylmuramic acid (NAMA), N-acetyl glucosamine, andseveral other amino acids linked by peptide linkage).11.

Stabilization of protein structures as in the case of glycoproteins.12.

Important components of brain cells as neuraminicacids, cerebrosides (Glycolipids) and gangliosides.13.

Carbohydrates form the chief components of sulfolipids which are present in chloroplasts and inchromatophores of photosynthetic bacteria.14.

Important component of nucleic acids as pentosesugars ribose and deoxyribose.15.

Function as physiological anticoagulant (Heparin).16.

Storage form of food in plants as starch.17.

Hyaluronic acid is an important component of thevitreous body of the eye, the umbilical cord and as alubricant in synovial fluid of the joints.18.

Trehalose (Disaccharide) is the chief component of the hemolymph of insects, where it serves as the chief source of energy. It is also present in yeasts and otherfungi.