Carbohydrates are the main source of energy: 1 g of carbohydrates, when completely broken down, releases 16.7 kJ (4 kcal). In addition, carbohydrates in the form of mucopolysaccharides are part of connective tissue, and in the form of complex compounds (glycoproteins, lipopolysaccharides) are structural elements of cells, as well as components of some active biological substances (enzymes, hormones, immune bodies, etc.). ωαγβ