Monosaccharides and disaccharides are both types of carbohydrates, but they differ in their structure and complexity.
Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates. They consist of single sugar molecules and cannot be hydrolyzed into smaller carbohydrate units. Common examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose. These sugars are readily absorbed by the body and provide a quick source of energy.
Disaccharides, on the other hand, are made up of two monosaccharide molecules linked together by a glycosidic bond. When disaccharides are consumed, they need to be broken down into their monosaccharide components before the body can utilize them. Common examples include sucrose (table sugar, which is made of glucose and fructose), lactose (found in milk, consisting of glucose and galactose), and maltose (formed from two glucose molecules).
In summary, the key difference lies in their structure: monosaccharides are single sugar units, while disaccharides are composed of two monosaccharide units. This difference influences their digestion, absorption, and energy release in the body.