Carbohydrates are classified into three types:
1. Monosaccharides (Simple Sugars):
Structure: Single sugar unit
Examples: Glucose, Fructose, Galactose
Function: Provide quick energy
2. Disaccharides (Double Sugars):
Structure: Two sugar units
Examples: Sucrose (Glucose + Fructose), Lactose (Glucose + Galactose)
Function: Found in milk, fruits, and sugarcane
3. Polysaccharides (Complex Sugars):
Structure: Long chains of sugar molecules
Examples: Starch, Glycogen, Cellulose
Function:
Starch – Energy storage in plants
Glycogen – Energy storage in animals
Cellulose – Provides structure in plant cell walls
Importance of Carbohydrates:
Primary source of energy
Helps in digestion
Supports cell structure