How do monosaccharides generally differ from each other?

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates and are defined by their chemical structure, which includes carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. The primary way in which monosaccharides differ from one another is through their specific arrangements of these atoms. Each monosaccharide has a unique configuration of carbon atoms (the number of carbon atoms can vary), and the proportions and arrangement of hydrogen and oxygen atoms attached to those carbons are also distinct.

For example, glucose and fructose both have the same molecular formula (C6H12O6) but differ in the arrangement of atoms, which gives them different properties and roles within biological systems. This structural diversity is critical, as it affects how these sugars interact with enzymes, other molecules, and ultimately their functionality in metabolism.

In contrast, differences in the number of oxygen atoms, types of glycosidic bonds, and molecular weights among monosaccharides are not the primary distinguishing factors. While these aspects can vary in polysaccharides and disaccharides, they do not serve as the main differentiators among monosaccharides themselves.