Science, Tech, Math › Science 10 Examples of Carbohydrates Share Flipboard Email Print alle12 / Getty Images Science Chemistry Biochemistry Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. our editorial process Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Updated January 06, 2020 Most of the organic molecules you encounter are carbohydrates. They are sugars and starches and are used to provide energy and structure to organisms. Carbohydrate molecules have the formula Cm(H2O)n, where m and n are integers (e.g. 1, 2, 3). Examples of Carbohydrates glucose (monosaccharide)fructose (monosaccharide)galactose (monosaccharide)sucrose (disaccharide)lactose (disaccharide)cellulose (polysaccharide)chitin (polysaccharide)starchxylosemaltose Sources of Carbohydrates Carbohydrates in foods include all sugars (sucrose [table sugar], glucose, fructose, lactose, maltose) and starches (found in pasta, bread, and grains). These carbohydrates can be digested by the body and provide energy for cells. There are other carbohydrates that the human body doesn't digest, including insoluble fiber, cellulose from plants, and chitin from insects and other arthropods. Unlike sugars and starches, these types of carbohydrates don't contribute calories to the human diet.