Which substance contains complex carbohydrates beneficial for energy storage?

Starch is a polysaccharide composed of numerous glucose units linked together, and it serves as a major energy storage form in plants. Starch is classified as a complex carbohydrate due to its structure, which consists of long chains of glucose molecules, making it more advantageous for energy storage compared to simple carbohydrates.

When consumed, starch can be broken down into glucose by enzymes in the digestive system, leading to a gradual release of energy that is essential for various bodily functions. This is particularly important in laboratory settings where proper energy sources must support the growth and maintenance of laboratory animals.

In contrast, glucose, fructose, and galactose are all monosaccharides or simple sugars with quicker absorption rates but do not serve the same energy storage function as starch. While they provide immediate energy, they lack the structural complexity that makes starch a more effective means of energy storage over extended periods.