Which of the following is an example of a monosaccharide?

Glucose is classified as a monosaccharide because it is the simplest form of carbohydrate, consisting of a single sugar molecule. Monosaccharides cannot be further hydrolyzed into simpler sugars, and glucose serves as a primary energy source for cells in the body. It is readily absorbed into the bloodstream and utilized efficiently for energy production.

In contrast, sucrose, lactose, and maltose are all disaccharides. Disaccharides are composed of two monosaccharide units linked together. For example, sucrose is made up of glucose and fructose, lactose consists of glucose and galactose, and maltose is formed from two glucose units. These compounds must be broken down into their constituent monosaccharides before they can be utilized by the body, which highlights the distinct nature of monosaccharides like glucose.