Saccharide

Saccharides (also known as carbohydrates) are a group of organic compounds that include sugars, starches, and cellulose. They are the most abundant class of biomolecules on Earth and play a crucial role in various biological processes.

Structure and Classification

Saccharides are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. They can be classified into four chemical groups: monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Monosaccharides

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates. They cannot be hydrolyzed to smaller carbohydrates. Examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Disaccharides

Disaccharides are composed of two monosaccharide units. Examples include sucrose, lactose, and maltose.

Oligosaccharides

Oligosaccharides consist of a small number (typically three to ten) of monosaccharide units. They are often found attached to proteins and lipids on the cell surface.

Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharide units. Examples include starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Functions

Saccharides serve several functions in organisms. They are a primary source of energy, play a role in cell signaling, and provide structural support in plants and arthropods.

See Also

• Carbohydrate metabolism
• Glycosylation
• Glycobiology

Saccharide Resources
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