Which saccharide is formed from two monosaccharides?

A disaccharide is formed when two monosaccharides are chemically bonded together through a process called dehydration synthesis, which involves the removal of a water molecule. This reaction links the monosaccharides, resulting in a simple carbohydrate that consists of two sugar units. Common examples of disaccharides include sucrose (glucose + fructose) and lactose (glucose + galactose). Understanding the structure of disaccharides is fundamental in nutrition as they are easily digestible and can be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, providing energy to the body.

The other options represent different types of carbohydrates. Polysaccharides are made up of long chains of monosaccharide units and include starch and glycogen. Oligosaccharides contain a few (typically 3 to 10) monosaccharide units. Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules like glucose and fructose. By distinguishing these types of carbohydrates, it becomes clear why the formation from two monosaccharides specifically categorizes the structure as a disaccharide.