What are short chains of monosaccharides linked together called?

Short chains of monosaccharides linked together are referred to as oligosaccharides. These molecules typically consist of 2 to 10 monosaccharide units. Oligosaccharides play important roles in both nutrition and biological processes, including serving as prebiotics that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar units, while disaccharides comprise two monosaccharides linked together. Polysaccharides are larger carbohydrate molecules, composed of long chains of monosaccharides, typically more than ten units in length. Therefore, the term "oligosaccharides" specifically refers to the short chains, distinguishing it clearly from the other carbohydrate classifications.