Monosaccharides
- Monosaccharides are the basic building blocks of carbohydrates. It cannot be broken down further into smaller units of carbohydrates.
- Also known as simple sugars.
- All monosaccharides are reducing sugars.
- All monosaccharides are soluble in water.
- Some monosaccharides have sweet taste.
- Examples of monosaccharides are glucose, fructose and galactose.
Glucose
Formula: C6H12O6
- Most common monosaccharide in living organisms
- Monomer of most polysaccharides
- End product in the digestion of starches and glycogen.
Fructose
Formula: C6H12O6
- Constituent of sweet fruits and honey.
Galactose
Formula: C6H12O6
- Found in milk