
Monosaccharides
Monosaccharides are simple sugars that have the general chemical formula (CH2O)n.
Monosaccharides can have between 3 and 9 carbon atoms.
The most common monosaccharides have 5 or 6 carbon atoms.
How monosaccharides are described:
Monosaccharides are classified according to the number of carbon atoms they have:
- trioses have 3 carbon atoms,
- tetroses have 4 carbon atoms,
- pentoses have 5 carbon atoms,
- hexoses have 6 carbon atoms.
More about the Digestive System:
This section includes pages about:
- Introduction to the Digestive System
- Terminology about Digestion
- Passage through the alimentary tract
- Component Parts of the Digestive System, incl. Teeth, Stomach, Liver, Small Intestine, Large Intestine
- Chemical Processes in the Digestive System (introductory level)
- Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System
For further information see also our pages of books about gastroenterology.