What classification of carbohydrates does the lactose belong?*Complex carbohydrateDisaccharideMonosaccharidePolysaccharide

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the different classifications of carbohydrates.
2. Determine where lactose fits within these classifications.

Relevant Concepts

1. Carbohydrates are categorized into three main types: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
2. Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates (e.g., glucose, fructose).
3. Disaccharides consist of two monosaccharides linked together (e.g., sucrose, lactose).
4. Polysaccharides are large molecules made up of long chains of monosaccharide units (e.g., starch, glycogen).

Analysis and Detail

• Lactose is composed of two monosaccharides: glucose and galactose.
• Therefore, it fits the definition of a disaccharide as it results from the combination of two simpler sugars.

Verify and Summarize

• By confirming that lactose is made up of two sugar units, it is verifiable that it belongs to the disaccharide category.

Final Answer

Lactose belongs to the classification of Disaccharide.