Disaccharides are composed of how many monosaccharides?

Disaccharides are composed of two monosaccharides. They are formed through a process called dehydration synthesis, where two monosaccharide units are linked together by a covalent bond known as a glycosidic bond, with the release of a water molecule. This fundamental structure allows disaccharides, such as sucrose (glucose + fructose) and lactose (glucose + galactose), to serve as important energy sources in living organisms. Understanding this composition is crucial for grasping how carbohydrates function in various biological processes.