Question

Classification of carbohydrates?

Answer 1

Explanation:

On the basis of the number of forming units, three major classes of carbohydrates can be defined: monosaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides or simply sugars are formed by only one polyhydroxy aldehydeidic or ketonic unit. The most abundant monosaccharide is D-glucose, also called dextrose.

Answer 2

Carbohydrates are classified on the basis of their behaviour on hydrolysis:

1. Monosaccharides: A carbohydrate that cannot be hydrolyzed further to give simpler unit of polyhydroxy aldehyde or ketone are called monosaccharides.
2. Oligosaccharides: Carbohydrates that yield two to ten monosacchrides units on hydrolysis are called oligosaccharides.
3. Polysaccharides: Carbohydrate which yield large number of monosacchrides units on hydrolysis are called polysaccharides.

The carbohydrates may also be classified as either reducing or non-reducing sugars.

Reducing: All those carbohydrates which reduce fehling's solution and tollens reagent are referred to as reducing sugars.

Non-Reducing: All those carbohydrates which don't reduce fehling's solution and tollens reagent are referred to as reducing sugars.

Hope it helps.