Classify the following carbohydrates as a monosaccharide, disaccharide, oligosaccharide, or polysaccharide:
(a) carageenan, a seaweed extract containing up to 25,000 carbohydrate units

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the classification of carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are classified based on the number of sugar units they contain. Monosaccharides have one sugar unit, disaccharides have two, oligosaccharides have 3-10, and polysaccharides have more than 10 sugar units.
2. Analyze the given carbohydrate: Carageenan is described as a seaweed extract containing up to 25,000 carbohydrate units.
3. Compare the number of carbohydrate units in carageenan to the classification criteria: Since carageenan contains significantly more than 10 sugar units, it falls into the category of polysaccharides.
4. Recall the definition of polysaccharides: Polysaccharides are large molecules composed of many monosaccharide units linked together, often used for structural or storage purposes in organisms.
5. Conclude the classification: Based on the information provided, carageenan is classified as a polysaccharide.

Key Concepts

Monosaccharides

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules such as glucose and fructose. They serve as the building blocks for more complex carbohydrates and are easily absorbed by the body. Their structure typically includes a carbon backbone with hydroxyl groups, making them soluble in water.

Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are large carbohydrate molecules composed of long chains of monosaccharide units linked together by glycosidic bonds. They can consist of hundreds to thousands of sugar units, and examples include starch, glycogen, and cellulose. Polysaccharides serve various functions, including energy storage and providing structural support in plants.

Carbohydrate Classification

Carbohydrates are classified based on the number of sugar units they contain: monosaccharides (1 unit), disaccharides (2 units), oligosaccharides (3-10 units), and polysaccharides (more than 10 units). This classification helps in understanding their structure, function, and role in biological processes. For instance, carageenan, mentioned in the question, is a polysaccharide due to its extensive chain of carbohydrate units.