Which of the following is classified as a monosaccharide?

Fructose is classified as a monosaccharide because it is a simple sugar that consists of a single sugar unit or molecule. Monosaccharides are the most basic form of carbohydrates and include sugars like glucose, galactose, and fructose itself. These sugars are easily absorbed into the bloodstream, providing quick energy for bodily functions.

In contrast, lactose, maltose, and sucrose are all disaccharides, which means they are composed of two monosaccharide units linked together. Lactose is made from glucose and galactose, maltose from two glucose molecules, and sucrose consists of glucose and fructose. While these disaccharides can be broken down into their monosaccharide components by the body, they do not fall into the monosaccharide category themselves. This foundational understanding of carbohydrate classification is essential in the study of nutrition and culinary medicine.