monosaccharide
A single sugar molecule such as glucose or fructose, the simplest type of sugar.
A monosaccharide is a simple sugar molecule that cannot be further hydrolyzed into a smaller carbohydrate unit. Monosaccharides are the fundamental building blocks of more complex carbohydrates like disaccharides and polysaccharides. They are classified according to the number of carbon atoms in their structure, with the most common types being the triose (3-carbon), pentose (5-carbon) and hexose (6-carbon) monosaccharides.
Examples of monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose. Glucose is the most abundant monosaccharide and is a key energy source for most cells in the body. Fructose is found in fruits and vegetables, while galactose is typically found in milk and dairy products. Monosaccharides are usually absorbed into the bloodstream quickly and can be converted into usable energy by the body’s cells.
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