What are the three main elements in the composition of carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are organic compounds that primarily consist of three elements: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. These elements are arranged in a specific ratio, typically with twice as many hydrogen atoms as carbon and oxygen atoms, which is commonly represented by the general formula (CH₂O)n, where 'n' is the number of carbon atoms.

The presence of carbon is crucial because it forms the backbone of carbohydrate molecules. Hydrogen and oxygen are also essential as they contribute to the formation of various functional groups, like hydroxyl (-OH) groups, which are characteristic of sugars and starches.

Understanding this composition is vital for recognizing how carbohydrates function in the body, serving as a primary energy source and playing roles in structural components of cells. Knowledge of these elements also aids in differentiating carbohydrates from other macromolecules such as proteins or lipids, which have different elemental compositions.