Final answer:
Carbohydrates are organic molecules made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically with a general formula Cn(H2O)n. They are essential for energy storage and structural functions in organisms, existing in forms ranging from simple sugars like glucose to complex molecules such as polysaccharides.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carbohydrates are polyhydroxy aldehydes, polyhydroxy ketones, or substances that can break down to form these types of compounds. They play an essential role as energy sources and structural materials in living organisms. The general formula for a carbohydrate can be expressed as Cn(H2O)n, where n is a variable representing the number of carbon atoms present. The small repeating units that makeup carbohydrates are known as monosaccharides. Examples of simple carbohydrates or sugars include glucose (C6H12O6) and fructose (C6H12O6). Carbohydrates can also form more complex structures such as disaccharides, which occur when two monosaccharides combine, and polysaccharides, which are long chains of monosaccharide units. For example, sucrose, a common disaccharide, is formed when a glucose molecule and a fructose molecule undergo a dehydration reaction, releasing water and creating a glycosidic bond between them. The intake of carbohydrates can be crucial for dietary concerns like diabetes management, as they significantly impact blood sugar levels.