Carbohydrates z Polyhydroxy compounds (poly-alcohols) that contain a carbonyl (C=O) group z Elemental composition C x(H 2O) y z About 80% of human caloric intake z >90% dry matter of plants z Functional properties – Sweetness – Chemical reactivity – Polymer functionalityCarbohydrates z Polyhydroxy compounds (poly-alcohols) that contain a carbonyl (C=O) group z Elemental composition C x(H 2O) y z About 80% of human caloric intake z >90% dry matter of plants z Functional properties – Sweetness – Chemical reactivity – Polymer functionality