an essential structural component of living cells and source of energy for animals; includes simple sugars with small molecules as well as macromolecular substances; are classified according to the number of monosaccharide groups they contain

any of a variety of carbohydrates that yield two monosaccharide molecules on complete hydrolysis

any of a variety of carbohydrates that yield four monosaccharide molecules on complete hydrolysis

any of a variety of carbohydrates that yield three monosaccharide molecules on complete hydrolysis