Simple sugars

Definition

Simple sugars, also known as monosaccharides, are the most basic form of carbohydrates consisting of single sugar molecules. They serve as the building blocks for more complex carbohydrates and are a primary source of energy for cells.

Related terms

Monosaccharides:

Single sugar molecules that cannot be hydrolyzed into simpler sugars; examples include glucose and fructose.

Disaccharides:

Carbohydrates composed of two monosaccharide molecules bonded together; sucrose (table sugar) is a common example.

Polysaccharides:

Long chains of monosaccharide units linked together; they serve as storage forms of energy (such as starch in plants) or structural elements (like cellulose in plant cell walls)