What are the primary building blocks of carbohydrates?

The primary building blocks of carbohydrates are monosaccharides. Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules such as glucose, fructose, and galactose. These basic units can combine to form more complex carbohydrates such as disaccharides (two sugar units) and polysaccharides (many sugar units).

Understanding that carbohydrates are structured from these fundamental components helps clarify how they function as energy sources and support various biological functions. When consumed, monosaccharides are readily absorbed by the body and can be utilized directly for energy or converted into other forms of carbohydrates or stored for future use. This knowledge is essential for grasping how carbohydrates play a vital role in nutrition and metabolism.