What are monosacharides?

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules. They are the building blocks of more complex carbohydrates such as disaccharides and polysaccharides. Examples of monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Monosaccharides are simple carbohydrates, the most basic unit of carbohydrates, and the simplest form of sugar. They are composed of a single sugar molecule and cannot be broken down into smaller carbohydrates. They have the general formula (CH2O)n, where n is usually 3-7.

Monosaccharides are classified according to the number of carbon atoms they contain:

- Trioses: 3 carbon atoms (e.g., glyceraldehyde)
- Tetroses: 4 carbon atoms (e.g., erythrose)
- Pentoses: 5 carbon atoms (e.g., ribose, deoxyribose)
- Hexoses: 6 carbon atoms (e.g., glucose, fructose, galactose)
- Heptoses: 7 carbon atoms (e.g., sedoheptulose)

Key Characteristics of Monosaccharides:

- They are sweet-tasting.
- They are crystalline solids.
- They are highly water-soluble.
- They are reducing sugars, meaning they can react with oxidizing agents like Benedict's reagent.
- They are the main source of energy for cells.

Examples of Monosaccharides:

- Glucose: The most abundant monosaccharide in nature, the body's primary energy source.
- Fructose: Found in fruits and honey, a sweeter and less soluble form of glucose.
- Galactose: Found in dairy products, used in the synthesis of certain glycoproteins and glycolipids.
- Ribose: A component of RNA, the genetic material in cells.
- Deoxyribose: A component of DNA, the genetic material in cells.