Monosaccharides

Definition

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of a single sugar molecule. They are the basic building blocks for more complex carbohydrates like disaccharides and polysaccharides.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Monosaccharides are classified based on the number of carbon atoms they contain, such as triose (3 carbons), pentose (5 carbons), and hexose (6 carbons).
2. Glucose, fructose, and galactose are common examples of monosaccharides.
3. Monosaccharides can exist in linear or ring forms in aqueous solutions.
4. They play a crucial role in cellular respiration as a primary energy source.
5. Monosaccharides can be linked together through glycosidic bonds to form disaccharides and polysaccharides.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of monosaccharides in cellular respiration?
• Name three common examples of monosaccharides.
• How do monosaccharides differ from disaccharides and polysaccharides?

Related terms

Disaccharide: A carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharide molecules bonded together.

Polysaccharide: A large carbohydrate molecule made up of many monosaccharide units linked by glycosidic bonds.

Glycosidic Bond: A type of covalent bond that joins a carbohydrate molecule to another group, which may or may not be another carbohydrate.