Monosahhariidiühikud

Monosahhariidiühikud are the simplest form of carbohydrates, also known as simple sugars. They are the basic building blocks from which more complex carbohydrates are made. The general chemical formula for monosaccharides is CnH2nOn, where n is typically between 3 and 7. Common examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose. Glucose is a fundamental energy source for living organisms. Fructose is commonly found in fruits, and galactose is a component of lactose, the sugar found in milk. These molecules are characterized by a hydroxyl group (OH) attached to each carbon atom, except for one which is either an aldehyde group (CHO) or a ketone group (C=O). This structure allows them to exist in both linear and cyclic forms. Monosaccharides are typically sweet-tasting and are soluble in water. They play crucial roles in metabolism, serving as precursors for other biomolecules and as immediate energy providers.