Sugar Structures
Sugar structures refer to the arrangement of sugar molecules, which are essential carbohydrates made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. These structures can be simple, like monosaccharides such as glucose and fructose, or more complex, like disaccharides such as sucrose and lactose. The way these sugar units bond together determines their properties and functions in living organisms.
In addition to their basic forms, sugars can also form larger structures called polysaccharides, which include starch and cellulose. These polysaccharides serve various roles, such as energy storage and providing structural support in plants. Understanding sugar structures is crucial for fields like biochemistry and nutrition.