Which of the following carbohydrates is known as a simple sugar?

Sucrose is classified as a simple sugar, also known as a disaccharide, because it consists of two monosaccharide units: glucose and fructose. Simple sugars are characterized by their quick absorption into the bloodstream, leading to rapid increases in blood glucose levels. This property makes them a quick source of energy for the body.

In contrast, starch, glycogen, and cellulose are complex carbohydrates. Starch is a polysaccharide made up of multiple glucose units linked together, which the body breaks down into simple sugars over a longer period. Glycogen serves as a storage form of glucose in animals and is also a polysaccharide. Cellulose, found in plant cell walls, is another polysaccharide that is not digestible by humans, providing dietary fiber instead. Understanding these distinctions among carbohydrates is fundamental in nutrition, as they impact energy availability and digestion in different ways.