What are polysaccharides?

Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that consist of long chains of monosaccharide units linked together by glycosidic bonds. These carbohydrates include substances such as starches, which serve as energy storage in plants, as well as fibers, which contribute to the structural integrity of plant cell walls and play a crucial role in human nutrition by promoting digestive health.

Starches, which are one of the primary forms of stored energy in plants, can be broken down into glucose when needed by the organism. Fiber, on the other hand, is not digested in the human body but is essential for maintaining healthy bowel function and regulating blood sugar levels.

The other options describe simpler forms of carbohydrates, which do not accurately capture the complexity and functionality associated with polysaccharides. Single ring carbon sugars refer to monosaccharides, while double ring carbon sugars refer to disaccharides. Simple sugars, mentioned in the final option, also refer to these basic units of carbohydrates, signaling that they are not complex like polysaccharides.