Which carbohydrate is primarily responsible for providing energy in the human diet?

Glucose is the primary carbohydrate responsible for providing energy in the human diet because it is the simplest form of carbohydrate and is readily utilized by the body's cells. When carbohydrates are consumed, they are broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. From there, glucose can be transported to cells throughout the body, where it can be used to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through cellular respiration. ATP serves as the main energy currency of the cell, fueling various biological processes essential for life, such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and metabolic reactions.

In contrast, cellulose is a complex carbohydrate found in plant cell walls and is mostly indigestible by humans. While it plays a vital role in dietary fiber, aiding in digestive health, it does not provide energy in the same way that glucose does. Chitin is another structural polysaccharide, found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and fungi, and it also does not serve as a significant energy source for humans. Glycogen is a form of stored glucose in animals, primarily found in the liver and muscles, and while it plays a key role in energy storage and mobilization during periods of fasting or intense physical activity, it is not directly consumed as part