Cells must have carbohydrates in the form of glucose , a monosaccharide, to use them as an energy source. Glucose is the most abundant carbohydrate in the blood and is the primary fuel molecule that cells metabolize to produce energy (ATP) through cellular respiration
. Key points:
- Carbohydrates from the diet are broken down into glucose during digestion, which enters the bloodstream and is taken up by cells for energy production
- Glucose is metabolized via cellular respiration, where it reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy stored in ATP molecules, which power cellular functions
- Excess glucose is stored as glycogen in liver and muscle tissues for later use
- Glucose is the preferred and most abundant carbohydrate inside the body for energy, especially for brain and nerve cells that rely almost exclusively on glucose for fuel
Thus, the form all carbohydrates must be in for cells to use them as an energy source is glucose, making it the most abundant carbohydrate inside the body.
