What Is the Primary Function of a Carbohydrate?
Definition and Types A carbohydrate is a macronutrient contributing to energy needs of cells in the body with the brain being the only organ depending solely on carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are made by plants in the form of sugars, starches and celluloses, which are further classified as simple or complex according to the size of the carbohydrate molecule. Complex carbohydrates are made of long chains of simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are one or two saccharides (units of sugar). Fructose, galactose and glucose are all examples of single unit saccharides. Disaccharides are two sugar units and commonly seen as sucrose, lactose and malactose. Function of Simple Carbohydrates Simple carbohydrates (sugar) can be broken down by the body very quickly and utilized for energy. When a simple sugar is consumed, the blood sugar levels increase and insulin is released in response. Insulin unlocks the cells to let the sugars into the cells where it can be used for energy. Excess is store
