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Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, meaning they cannot be broken down into simpler sugars through hydrolysis. They serve as the fundamental building blocks for more complex carbohydrates. The most common monosaccharides are hexoses, which contain six carbon atoms, and pentoses, which contain five carbon atoms.

Glucose is the most prevalent hexose and is a primary source of energy for living organisms. It is a key component of starch, glycogen, and cellulose. Fructose, another hexose, is commonly found in fruits and honey and is sweeter than glucose. Galactose is a hexose that is a constituent of lactose, the sugar found in milk.

Pentoses include ribose and deoxyribose, which are essential components of RNA and DNA, respectively. Ribulose is another pentose involved in photosynthesis. Monosaccharides are typically characterized by their sweet taste and their ability to dissolve in water. They can exist in both linear and cyclic forms. Their structural differences, particularly the arrangement of hydroxyl groups, lead to distinct chemical properties and biological roles.