Carbohydrates are one of the essential macronutrients that our body needs to function properly. They are produced by plants through the process of photosynthesis. Carbohydrates are made up of three main molecules - carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which are arranged in a specific way to form different types of carbohydrates.

HTML Bold: Molecules that constitute carbohydrates

1. Carbon
- The carbon atom is the fundamental building block of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are organic molecules that contain carbon atoms in a specific arrangement.

2. Hydrogen
- Hydrogen atoms are also an essential constituent of carbohydrates. They are required to maintain the structural integrity of the molecules.

3. Oxygen
- Oxygen atoms are also present in carbohydrates. The ratio of hydrogen to oxygen atoms is always 2:1, which is the defining characteristic of carbohydrates.

HTML Bold: Types of Carbohydrates

1. Monosaccharides
- Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates. They are made up of a single sugar molecule and are considered the building blocks of more complex carbohydrates. Examples of monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

2. Disaccharides
- Disaccharides are made up of two simple sugar molecules. They are formed when two monosaccharides join together through a chemical bond. Examples of disaccharides include sucrose, lactose, and maltose.

3. Polysaccharides
- Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that are made up of many simple sugar molecules joined together. They are used by plants to store energy and provide structural support. Examples of polysaccharides include starch, cellulose, and glycogen.

In conclusion, carbohydrates are essential macronutrients that are produced by plants through the process of photosynthesis. They are made up of three main molecules - carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which are arranged in a specific way to form different types of carbohydrates. The three types of carbohydrates are monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.