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Multiple Choice
Which of the following functional groups is always present in all carbohydrates?
A
Phosphate group
B
Amino group
C
Aldehyde or ketone group
D
Carboxyl group
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are organic molecules composed of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms, typically in a ratio of 1:2:1. They are classified based on the presence of specific functional groups and the number of sugar units.
Identify the functional groups in carbohydrates: Carbohydrates always contain either an aldehyde group (-CHO) or a ketone group (C=O) as part of their structure. These groups are responsible for the classification of carbohydrates as aldoses (if they contain an aldehyde group) or ketoses (if they contain a ketone group).
Eliminate incorrect options: A phosphate group is not a defining feature of carbohydrates, as it is typically found in nucleotides or phosphorylated sugars. An amino group (-NH2) is characteristic of amino acids, not carbohydrates. A carboxyl group (-COOH) is found in organic acids, such as amino acids and fatty acids, but not in carbohydrates.
Focus on the correct functional groups: The aldehyde group (-CHO) is present in monosaccharides like glucose, while the ketone group (C=O) is present in monosaccharides like fructose. These groups are essential for the chemical reactivity and classification of carbohydrates.
Conclude that the correct answer is the aldehyde or ketone group, as these are the functional groups always present in all carbohydrates, distinguishing them from other biomolecules.