szénhidrátcsoport

Szénhidrátcsoport, often translated as carbohydrate group, refers to a broad category of organic compounds essential for life. These compounds are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, with the general empirical formula (CH2O)n. Carbohydrates serve as a primary source of energy for living organisms, and also play structural and functional roles in cells. They are broadly classified into three main types based on their complexity: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, often referred to as simple sugars. Examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose. These single sugar units cannot be broken down into simpler carbohydrates by hydrolysis. Disaccharides are formed when two monosaccharide units are joined together through a glycosidic bond. Common examples include sucrose (table sugar), lactose (milk sugar), and maltose. Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates made up of long chains of monosaccharide units linked together. These can be linear or branched. Examples include starch, glycogen, and cellulose, each serving different roles in energy storage or structural support in plants and animals. The human body breaks down digestible carbohydrates into glucose for energy, while indigestible carbohydrates like fiber play a role in digestive health.