Carbohydrates
Economical / Medical Uses
Table of Contents
Basics of why the structure/properties of carbos can be useful in the economy or in medicine
Macromolecule Links
Carbohydrates are used in the manufacture of some of the following items (there are more!)  
-fabrics
-photographic film
-plastics

In addition, other carbohydrates are used in the production of:
-motion picture film
-cement
-plastics

Starch is used in the preparation of foods for livestock and humans.  Finally, other carbohydrates are used in medicine as a blood-plasma-volume expander to counteract acute shock.

The reason why carbohydrates can be used in economy and medicine is because carbohydrates serve as structural and energy-storage functions.  For example, in vertebrate animals, the cell coatings of connective tissues contain carbohydrates.  In animals, glycogen stores energy, and when evergy is needed, carbohydrates are broken down by enzymes.
Macromolecule Games
Biology Links
Honors Biology Home
Bascics about CHITIN and a list of economical/medical uses
Chitin is similar to cellulose in appearance.  This substance serves as a support system to support the body tissues for many organisms.  Listed below are some advantages of how chitin can benefit our lifestyle today.

-contact lenses use it to protect the cornea

-"artificial skin" is used to treat a burn, so the skin can "breathe".  This "artificial skin" is watertight, and the original skin can grow back.

-chitin can keep materials together in a pill

-stiches are made of chitin because it can dissolve
LINKS
1) For health applications, click here.
2) For biomedical applications, click here.
3) For applications in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic companies, click here
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1