A PROJECT REPORT ON
CARBOHYDRATES
SUBMITTED FOR PHYSICS
PRACTICAL EXAMINATION
TO BE HELD ON
- - 2026
SUBMITTED BY
SAI TANUJA SRI SANNITHI
XII – SCIENCE STREAM
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr.
[Link], Chairman, Sri Krish
International School, for his invaluable guidance and
support throughout the course of this project.
I am deeply thankful to Mrs. Dr. S. UDAYA CHITRA,
Principal, Sri Krish International School, for her
insightful guidance and constant encouragement, which have
been instrumental in the successful completion of this work.
My heartfelt thanks also go to my Chemistry Teacher, Mrs.
S.N. CHELLAMMAL (PGT- CHEMISTRY) for her guidance,
support and encouragement throughout the duration of the
project.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mr. MANOHAR,
Lab Incharge, for her assistance during the practical aspects
of this project.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who
have directly or indirectly contributed to the successful and
timely completion of this project.
PLACE: Chennai
DATE:
BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that SAI TANUJA SRI SANNITHI,
a student of Grade XII, has successfully completed
the Physics. Project entitled “CARBOHYDRATES”
under the guidance. Of Mrs. S.N. CHELLAMMAL (PGT-
CHEMISTRY) during the academic year 2025–2026,
in partial fulfillment of Physics Practical
Examination
Conducted by SSCE, New Delhi.
Register Number:
Date of Examination:
INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER
PRINCIPAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
DEFINITION OF CARBOHYDRATES
CLASSIFICATION OF CARBOHYDRATES
MONOSACCHARIDES
DISACCHARIDES
POLYSACCHARIDES
FUNCTIONS OF CARBOHYDRATES
SOURCES OF CARBOHYDRATES
TEST FOR CARBOHYDRATES
IMPORTANCE OF CARBOHYDRATES IN DAILY LIFE
INTRODUCTION
Carbohydrates are one of the most important classes of biomolecules present in all living
organisms. They play a vital role in providing energy required for growth, metabolism, and
various life processes. Carbohydrates are the first source of energy used by the human body and
are essential for the proper functioning of the brain, muscles, and nervous system. In plants,
carbohydrates are synthesized through the process of photosynthesis using sunlight, carbon
dioxide, and water. These carbohydrates are stored in different forms and consumed by animals
directly or indirectly. Thus, carbohydrates form the foundation of the food chain and are
indispensable for sustaining life on Earth.
DEFINITION OF CARBOHYDRATES
Carbohydrates are organic compounds composed mainly of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They
generally follow the empirical formula Cₓ(H₂O)ᵧ, which means carbon combined with water,
although this formula is not applicable to all carbohydrates. Carbohydrates include sugars,
starch, and cellulose, which are widely distributed in nature. They are produced by living
organisms and are therefore classified as biomolecules. Carbohydrates serve as an important
source of energy and are required for maintaining normal physiological functions in living
beings.
CLASSIFICATION OF CARBOHYDRATES
Carbohydrates are classified based on the number of sugar units present in their molecular
structure. The three major classes are monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
Monosaccharides contain a single sugar unit and are the simplest form of carbohydrates.
Disaccharides consist of two monosaccharide units joined together by a glycosidic bond.
Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates made up of a large number of monosaccharide units.
This classification helps in understanding their chemical structure, properties, digestion, and
biological importance.
MONOSACCHARIDES
Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates and cannot be broken down into smaller
carbohydrate units by hydrolysis. They are also known as simple sugars and are usually sweet in
taste. Common examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose. Glucose is the most important
monosaccharide as it acts as the primary source of energy for all living cells. Monosaccharides
are soluble in water and are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, providing instant energy.
Due to this property, glucose is often given to patients during weakness or dehydration.
DISACCHARIDES
Disaccharides are carbohydrates composed of two monosaccharide molecules linked together by
a glycosidic bond. This bond is formed by a condensation reaction during which one molecule of
water is released. Important examples of disaccharides include sucrose, lactose, and maltose.
Sucrose is commonly known as table sugar and is found in sugarcane and sugar beet. Lactose is
present in milk, while maltose is found in germinating grains. Disaccharides are sweet in taste
and soluble in water, but they must be broken down into monosaccharides before absorption in
the body.
POLYSACCHARIDES
Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates made up of long chains of monosaccharide units.
They are tasteless, insoluble in water, and mainly serve as storage or structural materials. Starch
is the main storage carbohydrate in plants and is found in foods like rice and potatoes. Glycogen
is the storage carbohydrate in animals and is stored in the liver and muscles. Cellulose forms the
structural component of plant cell walls and provides rigidity and strength. Polysaccharides play
a crucial role in energy storage and maintaining the structure of living organisms.
FUNCTIONS OF CARBOHYDRATES
Carbohydrates perform several important functions in the human body. Their primary role is to
supply energy for metabolic activities. They help in the proper functioning of the brain and
nervous system. Carbohydrates also aid digestion by providing dietary fiber, which prevents
constipation. Excess carbohydrates are stored in the liver and muscles in the form of glycogen
and used during energy deficiency. Thus, carbohydrates help maintain energy balance and
overall health.
SOURCES OF CARBOHYDRATES
Carbohydrates are found in a wide variety of food sources. Major plant-based sources include
cereals such as rice and wheat, pulses, fruits, vegetables, and sugarcane. Milk and milk products
contain lactose, a disaccharide. Processed foods such as bread, biscuits, and sweets are also rich
in carbohydrates. A balanced diet should contain sufficient carbohydrates to meet the energy
requirements of the body without causing health problems.
TESTS FOR CARBOHYDRATES
Chemical tests are used to detect the presence of carbohydrates in food substances. Benedict’s
test is used to identify reducing sugars like glucose and fructose. A positive test result is
indicated by a color change from blue to green, yellow, or brick red. The iodine test is used to
detect starch, where the iodine solution turns blue-black in color. These tests are commonly
performed in school laboratories to understand the properties of carbohydrates.
IMPORTANCE OF CARBOHYDRATES IN DAILY LIFE
Carbohydrates play an essential role in daily life by providing energy required for physical
activities and mental work. They help reduce fatigue, improve stamina, and support proper
digestion. Adequate intake of carbohydrates maintains normal blood glucose levels. However,
both deficiency and excess consumption of carbohydrates can lead to health problems.
Therefore, balanced intake of carbohydrates is necessary for a healthy lifestyle.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, carbohydrates are essential biomolecules required for the survival of living
organisms. They serve as the main source of energy and perform various biological and
structural functions. From simple sugars to complex polysaccharides, carbohydrates play a vital
role in maintaining life processes. Proper knowledge of carbohydrates helps in understanding
nutrition and maintaining a balanced diet.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. NCERT Biology Textbook, Class XII, National Council of Educational Research and
Training (NCERT).
2. NCERT Official Website – Reference material and diagrams.
3. Khan Academy (Biology Section) – Online learning resource for biomolecules.
4. BYJU’S Biology Study Material – Concept explanation and revision notes.
5. Encyclopaedia Britannica (Online Edition) – Scientific reference information.