Final answer:
Starches and sugars are carbohydrates, which are essential food nutrients that provide energy and serve as building blocks for cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Starches and sugars both belong to the class of nutrients known as carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are major food nutrients that provide energy for your cells and include a variety of substances such as sugars, starches, fiber, and more. There are two types of carbohydrates: simple carbohydrates, also known as simple sugars like glucose and fructose, and complex carbohydrates, like starch and glycogen. These compounds are essential as they serve as the primary source of energy and provide the building blocks for various cellular functions.