Uronic acids are a group of organic compounds derived from sugars, specifically monosaccharides. They are formed when the terminal carbon of a sugar molecule is oxidized, resulting in a carboxylic acid group. Common examples include glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid, which play important roles in various biological processes. These acids are significant in the metabolism of carbohydrates and are often found in the structure of polysaccharides, such as hyaluronic acid and pectin. Uronic acids contribute to the physical properties of plant cell walls and are involved in detoxification processes in the liver.