Which substance is a monomer of carbohydrates known as a simple sugar?

Glucose is a fundamental building block of carbohydrates and is classified as a monosaccharide, commonly referred to as a simple sugar. It is a primary source of energy for cells in many organisms. Monomers like glucose can combine to form larger carbohydrate structures, such as disaccharides and polysaccharides. For example, when two glucose molecules combine, they can form maltose, and multiple glucose units can create starch or cellulose.

While fructose and galactose are also monosaccharides, glucose is often highlighted in educational contexts for its central role in energy metabolism and carbohydrate structure. Lactose, on the other hand, is a disaccharide composed of glucose and galactose, which means it is not a simple sugar or a monomer itself. Thus, recognizing glucose as a simple sugar monomer reflects its essential function and structure within carbohydrate biochemistry.