Carbohydrate

Definition

Carbohydrates are a group of biomolecules consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, typically in a ratio of 1:2:1. They serve as the primary energy source for living organisms and are also involved in structural functions.

Related terms

Monosaccharides: The simplest form of carbohydrates that cannot be hydrolyzed to simpler sugars, often referred to as single sugar units.

Polysaccharides: Complex carbohydrates formed by the polymerization of multiple monosaccharide units, serving roles in energy storage (like starch) and structural support (like cellulose).

Glycolysis: A metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, releasing energy and forming ATP (adenosine triphosphate), demonstrating one way that cells utilize carbohydrates