Which type of carbohydrate includes glucose and sucrose?

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Study for the University of Central Florida Human Nutrition Exam 2. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The answer is B, which indicates that the type of carbohydrate that includes glucose and sucrose is simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are composed of one or two sugar molecules, making them quick sources of energy. Glucose is a monosaccharide, meaning it consists of a single sugar unit, while sucrose is a disaccharide, formed from two monosaccharides—glucose and fructose. Because of their simple structure, these carbohydrates are rapidly absorbed and provide immediate energy.

In contrast, complex carbohydrates consist of longer chains of sugar molecules and include starches and fibers, which take longer to digest. Fibers specifically refer to parts of plant foods that the body cannot digest, while polysaccharides are another term for complex carbohydrates, as they are made up of multiple sugar units. Since glucose and sucrose are both categorized under the simple carbohydrate grouping due to their straightforward molecular structure, this makes option B the correct choice.