Carbohydrate

Any compound of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in which the last two elements occur in the same proportion as in water. Carbohydrates include monosaccharides (fructose, glucose), disaccharides (sucrose, maltose, lactose) and polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, gum, agar, carrageenan). They are manufactured by plants and provide the major source of energy for animals and people. Simple carbohydrates, such as sugars, are water-soluble with a sweet taste. Starches and gums are composed of repeating saccharide groups. They swell in water to form a gel and can be hydrolyzed to obtain their sugar constituents. Cellulose is insoluble in water and organic solvents. Carbohydrates are used as paint binders, varnishes, adhesives, and sizing agents.