Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates, organic compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms, are a product of photosynthesis. Carbohydrates are also known as saccharides.
  
  

Sugars

• A simple carbohydrate, either a monosaccharide or disaccharide, is also known as a sugar. Monosaccharides such as glucose and fructose consist of a single chain of molecules and are simple sugars. Disaccharides such as lactose and sucrose consist of two monosaccharides.
  
  

Starches

• Starches are complex carbohydrates, or polysaccharides, and are made of multiple monosaccharides, where all the sugar molecules line up in the same direction.
  
  

Importance of Sugars

• Sugars, specifically glucose, play an important role in metabolism. Most carbohydrates are broken down into glucose for metabolizing. Fruits, honey, maple syrup and milk contain sugars.
  
  

Importance of Starches

• Starches allow plants to store energy and are an important source of fiber for many animals. Vegetables and grains contain starches.