Which of the following are the three main types of carbohydrates?

• A. Sugars, proteins, and lipids
• B. Starch, cellulose, and glycogen
• C. Glucose, fructose, and galactose
• D. Monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the definition of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and they serve as a primary energy source for living organisms.
2. Step 2: Learn about the classification of carbohydrates based on their structure and complexity. Carbohydrates are divided into three main types: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
3. Step 3: Define monosaccharides. These are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules such as glucose, fructose, and galactose. They are the building blocks of more complex carbohydrates.
4. Step 4: Define disaccharides. These are carbohydrates composed of two monosaccharide units joined by a glycosidic bond. Examples include sucrose (table sugar), lactose (milk sugar), and maltose.
5. Step 5: Define polysaccharides. These are large, complex carbohydrates formed by the polymerization of many monosaccharide units. Examples include starch (energy storage in plants), glycogen (energy storage in animals), and cellulose (structural component in plant cell walls).