Final answer:
Carbohydrates are broken down into A. glucose, which provides energy as ATP through metabolic pathways.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carbohydrates undergo digestion to produce glucose, a primary energy source. This monosaccharide enters metabolic pathways like glycolysis, generating ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through cellular respiration. ATP serves as a crucial energy currency, powering various cellular processes essential for life. During glycolysis, glucose is partially oxidized, yielding ATP and pyruvate.
Further energy extraction occurs in the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. This intricate process enables cells to efficiently harness energy stored in glucose molecules. Adequate ATP production is fundamental for cellular functions, including transport, synthesis, and maintenance of electrochemical gradients across cell membranes, ensuring overall cellular homeostasis.