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

Define binding of protein with other compounds, Define Binding of Protein w...

Define Binding of Protein with Other Compounds? In addition to water, lipids and volatile flavours, food proteins can bind a number of other substances through weak interaction

Which structures are in plant and animal cells, Which of the structures are...

Which of the structures are (a) in plant and animal cells, (b) in plant cells but not in animal cells? a) Plant and animal cells having cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria,

Absorption of lipids, what are lipids? how ther absorption takes place in h...

what are lipids? how ther absorption takes place in human bodies?

Define prevention of idd - iodized salt distribution, Define Prevention of ...

Define Prevention of IDD - Iodized salt distribution? Many approaches to reduce iodine deficiency has been formulated. Some of these are reviewed herewith: Iodized salt dist

Explain the photosensitive detectors, Explain the Photosensitive Detectors?...

Explain the Photosensitive Detectors? A wide range of detectors varying in senstivity and cost are available. They contain a light sensitive surface that releases electrons in

Control of noise pollution, Following ways can be used for control of noise...

Following ways can be used for control of noise pollution: It can be controlled by designing, fabricating and using quiter machines. In heavy industries, sound proof insul

Why domain archaea are known to contain a true nucleus, Bacteria never have...

Bacteria never have a nucleus but some members of the domain Archaea are known to contain a true nucleus.

Complications of phototherapy, Complications of Phototherapy i) Inse...

Complications of Phototherapy i) Insensible water loss: There is increased insensible water loss in infants undergoing phototherapy. ii) Gastrointestinal effects: Photot

Composition-atmosphere, Composition The present day composition of atmo...

Composition The present day composition of atmosphere is the product of a lengthy evolutionary process that began more than four billion years ago. It is composed of a mixture

Precipitation-water cycle, Precipitation Precipitation literally means ...

Precipitation Precipitation literally means falling from a height. In case of water, precipitation includes all forms in which atmospheric moisture descends to earth; rain, sno

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