Which term refers to the simplest form of carbohydrates made up of single sugar molecules?

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules. They serve as the fundamental building blocks for more complex carbohydrates. Common examples of monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose. These simple sugars are vital for cellular energy and are easily absorbed by the body.

In contrast, disaccharides are composed of two monosaccharides linked together, such as sucrose (table sugar), which is formed from glucose and fructose. Polysaccharides consist of long chains of monosaccharide units and include starch and glycogen, which serve as energy storage forms in plants and animals, respectively. Oligosaccharides are slightly longer chains that typically consist of three to ten monosaccharides and are often found in food sources like beans and certain vegetables. Understanding the classification of carbohydrates helps clarify their structure and function in biological systems.