Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

saccharide

Noun

/ˈsækəraɪd/

Definition

A saccharide is a type of carbohydrate that consists of sugar molecules. They are the building blocks of more complex carbohydrates and play crucial roles in biological processes.

Examples

Glucose is a monosaccharide, which means it is the simplest form of sugar.
During digestion, polysaccharides are broken down into monosaccharides for energy.
Many fruits contain various saccharides that contribute to their sweetness.

Meaning

Saccharides can be simple sugars like glucose or more complex forms like starch and cellulose. They are essential for providing energy and structure in living organisms.