sacharidov

Sacharidy (carbohydrates) are a class of organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically with the empirical formula (CH2O)n. They are among the main biomolecules involved in energy storage, structure, and cellular recognition. Monosaccharides are the simplest units, with glucose, fructose, and galactose as common examples. Disaccharides such as sucrose, lactose, and maltose consist of two monosaccharide units linked by a glycosidic bond. Oligosaccharides contain short chains of 3–10 units, while polysaccharides are long polymers such as starch and glycogen (energy storage in plants and animals) and cellulose and chitin (structural components in plants, fungi, and arthropods).

Biological roles of sacharidy include rapid energy provision through catabolism of monosaccharides, and longer-term storage as glycogen in animals or starch in plants. They also provide structural support via cellulose in plants and chitin in fungi and some animals. In biology, polysaccharides participate in cellular recognition and signaling through glycoproteins and proteoglycans, while dietary fibers—non-digestible polysaccharides—affect digestion and gut microbiota.

In nutrition, carbohydrates supply about 4 kilocalories per gram. Digestive enzymes break down disaccharides and polysaccharides into monosaccharides absorbed in the small intestine, predominantly glucose, which feeds into glycolysis and cellular respiration. Dietary guidelines emphasize a balance between simple and complex carbohydrates and the inclusion of fiber for digestive health and metabolic benefits.

Industrial and ecological notes: cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth, while starch is a major plant storage carbohydrate and a common food ingredient. Various polysaccharides are produced by microorganisms and algae for industrial applications.