text: Carbohydrates work by participating in the production of energy. There are many kinds of carbohydrates and the most important function is to participate in various oxidation reactions and there by producing ATP which are the molecular batteries on which every living form exists. These reactions occur in the presence of molecular oxygen and thats why oxygen is so important for us. Additionaly every 1 gram of carbohydrate produces about 4.8 Kcals. \n\nApart from energy production carbohydrates are important for many other functions of cell membranes ( Glycoproteins and Glycolipids)