Ace the AP Biology Challenge 2025 – Unleash Your Inner Scientist and Conquer the Course!

Question: 1 / 490

What defines a monosaccharide?

It is a complex carbohydrate.

It is a simple one monomer sugar.

A monosaccharide is defined as a simple one monomer sugar. These are the most basic form of carbohydrates and consist of a single sugar unit, typically containing a carbon backbone with several hydroxyl (-OH) groups and a carbonyl group (aldehyde or ketone). Common examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose, which can be quickly absorbed and utilized by the body for energy.

Monosaccharides serve as the building blocks for more complex carbohydrates, such as disaccharides (composed of two monosaccharides) and polysaccharides (large polymers made of many monosaccharides linked together). They are vital for metabolic processes and cellular functions in living organisms. Hence, recognizing that a monosaccharide is not a complex carbohydrate, nor a combination of multiple sugars, but rather a single sugar unit, is essential in understanding carbohydrate classification in biology.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

It consists of two bound sugars.

It is a large polymer composed of multiple sugars.

Next Question

Report this question

Download Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Practice Exam PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy