Carbohydrate (Noun)
Meaning
An essential structural component of living cells and source of energy for animals; includes simple sugars with small molecules as well as macromolecular substances; are classified according to the number of monosaccharide groups they contain.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The most common carbohydrate is starch, which is found in many types of grains, tubers, and roots.
- Complex carbohydrates, such as fiber and starch, are found in greatest quantities in unrefined plant foods.
- Foods high in carbohydrate are an essential part of a healthy diet and include a variety of fruits, grains, and vegetables.
- Cellulose, a complex carbohydrate found in plant cell walls, is an important component of dietary fiber in human nutrition.
- The most important simple carbohydrate is glucose, which serves as a major source of energy for cells, particularly in the brain.