Which of the following is a type of monosaccharide?

Fructose is a type of monosaccharide, which means it is a simple sugar and one of the basic building blocks of carbohydrates. Monosaccharides, such as fructose, glucose, and galactose, consist of a single sugar unit and have a molecular formula that can be represented as (CH2O)n, where "n" is typically between 3 and 7 for naturally occurring sugars.

Fructose, found in fruits, honey, and root vegetables, is distinct from polysaccharides (like starch and cellulose) and disaccharides (such as sucrose). Polysaccharides are made up of many monosaccharide units linked together, whereas disaccharides are composed of two monosaccharide units.

Understanding the structure and function of monosaccharides like fructose is crucial in nutrition, as they are quickly absorbed by the body and utilized for energy. This is particularly relevant when considering how different types of sugars impact digestion and metabolism.