Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules. They are the building blocks for more complex sugars and are essential for energy production in living organisms. Common examples of monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose. These sugars are easily absorbed by the body and provide quick energy.
These simple sugars can be found in many foods, such as fruits, honey, and some vegetables. Monosaccharides play a crucial role in metabolism, as they are used by cells to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell. Understanding monosaccharides is important for nutrition and health.