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Each simple sugar contains three or more carbon atoms. The n in the chemical formula indicates the number of carbon atoms in a monosaccharide. Monosaccharides are classified based on how many carbon atoms they contain, the placement of the carbonyl group, and their stereochemistry. However, the chemical formula doesn't indicate the placement of the carbon atom within the molecule or the chirality of the sugar. The chemical formula (CH 2O) n indicates a monosaccharide is a carbon hydrate. Structure and Nomenclature of Monosaccharides Monosaccharides are also used as building blocks to form more complex sugars, which are important structural elements.
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Energy is released when its chemical bonds are broken. Glucose is a particularly important energy molecule. They are used to store and produce energy. Monosaccharides serve two main functions within a cell. Two monosaccharides can form a disaccharide, three to ten can form an oligosaccharide, and more than ten can form a polysaccharide.Monosaccharides have a sweet flavor because the orientation of the OH group interacts with the taste receptor on the tongue that detects sweetness via a dehydration reaction.In pure form, monosaccharides are crystalline, water-soluble, colorless solids.
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