What term describes sugars and starches that provide quick energy?

• A. Carbohydrates
• B. Proteins
• C. Lipids
• D. Nucleic acids

Answer: (A)

Sugars and starches are carbohydrates, and carbohydrates are the body's quick-energy fuel because they can be rapidly broken down into glucose, the main energy source for cells. Simple sugars are digested almost immediately, while starches, though more complex, are still converted to glucose quickly enough to supply energy during short-term activity. This makes carbohydrates the go-to rapid-energy source. In contrast, proteins mainly serve as building blocks for tissues and enzymes, lipids provide a dense energy store but are mobilized more slowly, and nucleic acids carry genetic information rather than energy.