What are mono and disaccharides characterized by?

Mono and disaccharides are characterized by being polar and soluble in water due to their molecular structure. These carbohydrates consist of sugar units that contain hydroxyl (-OH) functional groups, which are polar. This polarity allows them to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, leading to their solubility in aqueous solutions.

Monosaccharides, such as glucose and fructose, are the simplest forms of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar units. Disaccharides, like sucrose and lactose, consist of two monosaccharide units linked together. Both types possess the necessary polar characteristics that enhance their interaction with water.

In contrast, options such as being non-polar and insoluble in water, or being large macromolecules, do not accurately describe mono and disaccharides. They are not large structures like polysaccharides or macromolecules, and they actively participate in biological processes due to their solubility in water, essential for cellular functions and metabolism. Additionally, they do not fall into the category of complex lipids, as that refers to a different class of biomolecules mainly involved in energy storage and structural functions within cells.