What are carbohydrates primarily composed of?

Carbohydrates are organic molecules primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with the general chemical formula often represented as (CH2O)n, where "n" can be any integer. The structure typically consists of a backbone of carbon atoms each bonded to hydrogen and hydroxyl (–OH) groups. The ratio of hydrogen to oxygen in carbohydrates is usually 2:1, similar to that of water, which is a key characteristic of this class of biomolecules. This composition is fundamental to their function and classification, as carbohydrates serve crucial roles in providing energy, structural support in cells, and serving as recognition molecules in biological interactions.