Question

youve just identified that one large group of nutrients in our food is carbohydrates. carbohydrates are grouped in classes depending on the size of the molecule. you will probably recognize the names of many of these carbohydrates already. what is the smallest unit of carbohydrate? use the image to the right to determine the answer. nucleotides starch (polysaccaride) sucrose (disaccharide) glucose/sugar (monosaccharide)

Explanation:

Carbohydrates are classified based on molecular size. Monosaccharides (like glucose) are the simplest form. Disaccharides (e.g., sucrose) consist of two monosaccharides. Polysaccharides (e.g., starch) are large chains of monosaccharides. Nucleotides are part of nucleic acids (not carbohydrates). So, the smallest carbohydrate unit is a monosaccharide.

Answer:

Glucose/sugar (monosaccharide)