What is Carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates function mainly as immediate sources of energy, stored energy such as starch, and structural components of cells. Carbohydrates are used by almost all living organisms as a source of energy. Carbohydrates form materials such as starch, glycogen, cellulose in plant cell walls, and chitin, the material that gives shrimps and other animals rigidity in their shells. Carbohydrates also function as important identifying molecules on the surfaces of cells. Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the ratio of one carbon atom to two hydrogen atoms to one oxygen atom (1:2:1).