Carbohydrates

Definition

Carbohydrates are biomolecules consisting mainly carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. They are one of the four main types of macromolecules in living organisms and serve as a primary source of energy.

Related terms

Monosaccharides:

These are the simplest form of carbohydrates that cannot be hydrolyzed further into simpler sugars. Examples include glucose and fructose.

Polysaccharides:

These are complex carbohydrates made up from many monosaccharide units. Examples include starch and cellulose.

Glycogen:

This is a multibranched polysaccharide that serves as a form of energy storage in animals and fungi.