carbohydrates
As the empirical formula suggests the smallest monosaccharides contain __ carbon atoms, ___ oxygen atoms and __ hydrogens.
3 3 6
In nature carbohydrates function as an ________.
energy source, energy storage, structure, lubrication, biological specificity and biological recognition
The basic units of carbohydrates are simple sugars called ________.
monosaccharides
Carbohydrates are also components of ______.
nucleotides and nucleic acids
The simplest monosaccharides are aldehydes and ketones that have ______ or more hydroxyl groups.
two
Carbohydrate literally means _____ which stem from their chemical composition.
carbon hydrates