Carbohydrates: Building Blocks of Energy
Carbohydrates belong to a group of large biological molecules called macromolecules. These molecules form through polymerization, where smaller units (monomers) join together to create larger molecules (polymers). This process is fundamental to creating the complex structures needed for life.
The simplest carbohydrates are monosaccharides or simple sugars. Glucose, the sugar your body uses for energy, is the most common example. Other monosaccharides include fructose (found in fruits) and galactose (in milk). When two monosaccharides join together, they form a disaccharide like sucrose (table sugar).
Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates made of many sugar units linked together. These include starch (in potatoes and grains), glycogen (stored in your liver and muscles), and cellulose (plant structure). Carbohydrates serve two main purposes: providing energy and creating biological structures.
Energy Insight: Think of monosaccharides and disaccharides as quick energy sources (like the sugar rush from candy), while polysaccharides are your body's energy savings account, releasing glucose gradually when needed.