Saccharides

Saccharides are the most abundant class of organic compounds found in living organisms and a major source of metabolic energy, both for plants and for animals that depend on plants for food. They are represented by a common formula Cm(H2O)n hence, often called carbohydrates. Saccharides are mainly grouped into: monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. Saccharides perform numerous structural as well as biological roles in living organisms. Polysaccharides serves as the reservoir of energy (e.g. starch and glycogen) and as structural components. The 5-carbon monosaccharide ribose is an important component of coenzymes (e.g. ATP, FAD and NAD) and the backbone of the genetic molecule known as RNA. The related deoxyribose is a component of DNA. They actively participate in energy storage and transport, signaling, cell-cell communication, pathogenesis, immune response and modulation of protein and lipid function.