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Monosaccharide: meaning, definitions and examples

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monosaccharide

 

[ ˌmɒnəˈsækəraɪd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biochemistry

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of a single sugar molecule. They are the building blocks of more complex carbohydrates like disaccharides and polysaccharides. Common examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Synonyms

glucose, simple sugar, sugar

Examples of usage

  • Glucose is a primary monosaccharide used for energy by cells.
  • Fruits are rich in monosaccharides, especially fructose.
  • Monosaccharides are easily absorbed by the body.

Etymology

The term 'monosaccharide' is derived from the Greek words 'mono', meaning 'single', and 'saccharum', meaning 'sugar'. The concept of monosaccharides emerged in the 19th century, as scientists began to understand the structure of carbohydrates. Initial studies in chemistry and biochemistry highlighted the importance of these simple sugars in metabolic pathways. Monosaccharides are crucial for life, serving as foundational units for energy production and as components of nucleic acids. Their study has played an important role in nutrition, molecular biology, and medicine, giving insights into how sugars influence health and disease.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,607 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.