Monosaccharides: Definition, Examples & Importance

Monosaccharides are the simplest carbohydrates and the building blocks of more complex carbohydrates. They are single sugar units that cannot be broken down further by hydrolysis. Monosaccharides have the general formula (CH2O)n, where n is the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.

Examples of monosaccharides include:

* Glucose: Glucose is the most common monosaccharide and is the body's main source of energy. It is found in fruits, vegetables, and grains.

* Fructose: Fructose is a natural sugar found in fruits and honey. It is sweeter than glucose and is used as a sweetener in many processed foods.

* Galactose: Galactose is a monosaccharide that is found in milk and milk products. It is also a component of the cell walls of plants.