The primary function of carbohydrates in cells is to provide energy. To understand why carbohydrates serve this purpose, we need to look at how cells utilize them. Carbohydrates are broken down during a process called cellular respiration, which occurs in the mitochondria. This process converts glucose, a type of carbohydrate, into ATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecules. ATP is the primary energy currency of cells, and it provides the necessary energy for cellular functions such as active transport, synthesis of molecules, and muscle contractions. Carbohydrates can be obtained from various sources, including sugars, starches, and fibers in our diet. They are broken down during digestion and absorbed into the bloodstream as glucose, which is then used by cells for energy production.
