The difference between monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides is based on how many sugar units they have:
1. Monosaccharides
- Have one sugar unit.
- Small and simple.
- Example: Glucose
Looks like one ring.
2. Disaccharides
- Have two sugar units joined together.
- Formed when two monosaccharides combine.
- Example: Sucrose (glucose + fructose)
Looks like two rings linked.
3. Polysaccharides
- Have many sugar units joined in a chain.
- Large and complex.
- Example: Starch, Cellulose, Glycogen
Looks like a long chain of rings.
In short:
- Monosaccharide = 1 sugar
- Disaccharide = 2 sugars
- Polysaccharide = Many sugars