What is a spare carbohydrate

Carbohydrates along with proteins and fats are the most important nutrients. Carbohydrates are organic substances that enter the cells of plants and animals. Three groups of these compounds are distinguished: monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides.

Classification and Characterization

Of great interest are the so-called "spare carbohydrates". They are called so because they can be stored in reserve and used under adverse conditions. "Spare carbohydrates" are in plants and animals. Most often, polysaccharides act in their role. In plants, the main such substance is starch, and in animals - glycogen. Glycogen is also present in humans and fungi.

In plants, such biologically active compounds are formed and deposited mainly in the rhizome, tubers, roots, bulbs and in the lower parts of the aerial shoots.

Starch is a high molecular weight carbohydrate. Initially, it is formed in the leaves during plant photosynthesis. There, glucose is synthesized from it, and fructose from it, which enters other parts of the plant and feeds them. Secondary starch is formed mainly in the roots.

The second "spare carbohydrate" of plants is inulin. It circulates in cells in dissolved form. Plants such as dahlia and elecampane are rich in inulin.

In grains and cereals, there is another reserve nutrient - hemicellulose. In animals, glycogen is of greatest importance. It can be deposited in the liver and muscles and consumed as needed.