Properties and uses of monosaccharides

Monosaccharides have many hydroxyl functional groups, this allows them to have strong intermolecular forces between molecules. 

·     At room temperature, monosaccharides are solid crystals or powders with high melting points. 

·     The numerous polar functional groups on monosaccharides make them very soluble in water

·      The hydroxyl groups are capable of forming hydrogen bonds with other water molecules, easily overcoming the intermolecular forces and dissolving the sugar molecule.

Due to their high solubility, monosaccharides are easily dissolved in the bloodstream and carried to cells as a source of energy. The small, polar molecules can easily cross the cell membrane and be used as an immediate fuel source for cellular respiration, releasing energy that is stored in the chemical bonds of the monosaccharide.