Final answer:
Energy release from complex carbohydrates takes longer because these polysaccharides are large molecules that need to be broken down into individual sugars, a process that starts in the mouth with enzymes and continues in the digestive system. Simple sugars have fewer bonds and are more quickly digested and absorbed, providing energy more rapidly. This structure-dependent digestion process is why complex carbohydrates provide a slower, more sustained energy release compared to simple sugars.
Step-by-step explanation:
The energy release from a complex carbohydrate such as a polysaccharide takes longer than from a simple sugar due to the structure and digestion process involved. Polysaccharides, like starch and glycogen, are large macromolecules consisting of hundreds to thousands of monosaccharide units linked together. This complex structure requires a more extensive breakdown process, starting with enzymes like salivary amylase in the mouth and continuing in the digestive tract before the individual monosaccharides can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
In contrast, simple sugars such as glucose (a monosaccharide) or sucrose (a disaccharide) contain fewer bonds and are more quickly digested and absorbed. This quicker availability of energy is why we often experience a rapid increase in blood sugar levels after consuming simple sugars. The metabolic processes, including glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, allow for energy production from these sugars, but the complexity of breaking down polysaccharides delays the overall energy release.