Carbohydrates, Biology

Assignment Help:

Carbohydrates

Fifty five to seventy per cent of the required energy in animals is derived from carbohydrates. However, fats and proteins can also be broken down and used for supplying energy. In most animals this happens only when the dietary intake of carbohydrates is low. In contrast, Drosophila uses only carbohydrates as a source of energy for its flight muscles and when the supply is exhausted the insect cannot fly even though it uses stored fat for other metabolic processes. Whereas, locusts are known to use only lipids for their long migratory flights. Most animals, however, use a variety of hexose sugars like glucose, fructose, mannose, and galactose as interchangeable sources of energy.

In this way no particular carbohydrate is really considered essential in a way similar to amino acids. But even if no carbohydrate is considered essential, growth of certain animals will be better on one type of sugar than on another. This can be explained better by the results of the following experiment. Young locusts showed that when dietary sugar was maltose growth was maximum or optimum and growth was minimum when no carbohydrate was given. Other sugars supported sub-optimal growth. What could be the reason for this difference? One of the main causes is the difference in the rate of movement of sugars across the gut wall into the blood. From the above experiment we can conclude that certain insects have a preference for a certain carbohydrate which can be called an essential or preferred nutrient. In the above experiment with locusts, maltose was the preferred nutrient.


Related Discussions:- Carbohydrates

Zoology, Phylum coelenterata

Phylum coelenterata

Define the chemical equation of the formation of bicarbonate, Q. What is th...

Q. What is the chemical equation of the formation of bicarbonate from water and carbon dioxide? What is the enzyme that catalyzes this reaction? The chemical equation of the ch

Decomposers - biotic components, Decomposers - Biotic Components Also ...

Decomposers - Biotic Components Also known as saprotrophs. Mostly, these are microscopic and are heterotrophic in nature. Decomposer organisms obtain their energy and nutrient

Improvement of soil aeration-aggregate structure, Improvement of Soil Aerat...

Improvement of Soil Aeration Soil organisms greatly improve soil structure and facilitate aeration. Root decay leaves the soil riddled with channels, and the burrowing of worm

How are reptilia characterized, Q. Class Reptilia identity card. How are th...

Q. Class Reptilia identity card. How are they characterized according to examples of representing beings, basic morphology, skin, respiration, circulation, nitrogen waste, thermal

Chest examination of new born, Chest Observe for retraction of the...

Chest Observe for retraction of the intercostal muscle which is indicative of severe respiratory distress (a sign of hyaline membrane  disease).  Inspect the brea

What are symptoms found in patients with hyperthroidism, What are some sign...

What are some signs and symptoms found in patients with hyperthyroidism? The hormones made by the thyroid gland stimulate the basal metabolism of the body. In hyperthyroidism t

What is mendelian genetics, What is Mendelian Genetics? Mendelian Gene...

What is Mendelian Genetics? Mendelian Genetics :  In 1868, an Austrian monk, Gregor Mendel, first published the basics of a study we now call Mendelian genetics. Mendel obser

Human impact on environment, questions and answers on human impacts on envi...

questions and answers on human impacts on environment

Which term describes a very heart/pulse rate, In studies of human body, whi...

In studies of human body, which of the below terms is used to describe a very rapid heart rate or pulse rate? Is it: a) Tachycardia b) Bradycardia c) Cardiosis d) Myoc

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd