Understanding Carbohydrates and Their Functions

Carbohydrates are essential macromolecules that serve various functions in biological systems. They are primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically with a hydrogen-to-oxygen atom ratio of 2:1. One of the main categories of carbohydrates is monosaccharides, which are the simplest form of carbohydrates. They can combine to form disaccharides and polysaccharides through glycosidic bonds. An example of a monosaccharide is glucose, which plays a critical role in energy metabolism. In contrast, a polysaccharide such as starch serves as a storage form of energy in plants.

Consider the following statements regarding carbohydrate classification and their metabolic roles:

1. Monosaccharides can be classified based on the number of carbon atoms they contain.

2. Disaccharides consist of two monosaccharide units linked together.

3. Polysaccharides are primarily used for energy storage and structural functions.

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding carbohydrates?