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Monosaccharides

Definition

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of one sugar molecule. Examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Analogy

Monosaccharides are like building blocks - they can stand alone or combine with others to create larger structures. Just like you can use single Lego bricks to build complex models!

Related terms

Glucose: This is a type of monosaccharide that serves as a primary source of energy for living organisms.

Fructose: Another type of monosaccharide found in many plants where it's often bonded with glucose to form sucrose, table sugar.

Carbohydrates: A group of organic compounds including sugars, starches, celluloses which are important sources for energy in living organisms. Monosaccharides belong under this category.

"Monosaccharides" appears in:

Practice Questions (1)

  • Which of the following biomolecules is made up of monosaccharides?


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.