Here's a breakdown:
* Monosaccharides: These are the simplest form of carbohydrates, often called simple sugars. Examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.
* Disaccharides: Two monosaccharides joined together form a disaccharide. Examples include sucrose (glucose + fructose), lactose (glucose + galactose), and maltose (glucose + glucose).
* Polysaccharides: These are complex carbohydrates composed of many monosaccharides linked together in long chains. Examples include starch, glycogen, and cellulose.
So, to answer your question directly, monosaccharides are the monomers that combine to make complex carbohydrates.
