Carbohydrates are made from carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. These atoms combine to form monosaccharides, which are the simplest units of carbohydrates.

Here's a breakdown:

* Carbon (C): Provides the basic structure of the carbohydrate molecule.

* Hydrogen (H): Bonds with carbon and oxygen to create the various functional groups within the molecule.

* Oxygen (O): Participates in the formation of functional groups, like hydroxyl groups (-OH), which contribute to the properties of carbohydrates.

These three elements combine in different ratios and arrangements to form the diverse range of carbohydrates found in nature, from simple sugars like glucose to complex polysaccharides like starch and cellulose.