What is a simple carbohydrate that consists of one sugar molecule known as?

A simple carbohydrate that consists of one sugar molecule is known as a monosaccharide. Monosaccharides are the most basic form of carbohydrates and cannot be broken down into simpler sugars. Examples of monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose. They serve as fundamental building blocks for more complex carbohydrates and are readily absorbed by the body, providing quick sources of energy.

In contrast, disaccharides are formed by two monosaccharide molecules joined together, oligosaccharides are composed of a few (typically 3 to 10) monosaccharide units, and polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharide units that can consist of hundreds or thousands of these sugar molecules. Each type plays a different role in nutrition and energy supply, highlighting the unique characteristics of monosaccharides as the simplest form of carbohydrates.