Sugar. Polarised light micrograph of crystals of saccharose sugar, known as sucrose (chemical formula: C12.H22.O11). It is a sweet, soluble, crystalline carbohydrate found in the pith of sugar cane and in sugar beet. As a disaccharide sugar, each of its molecules are made up of two simple-sugar (monosaccharide) units: glucose and fructose. Sucrose sugar is easily digested and forms a major source of energy in humans, as a sweetener, preservative, used in cooking and the food industry. A high consumption is associated with obesity and tooth decay. Magnification: unknown.