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Multiple Choice
Which type of molecule commonly found in living organisms lacks carbon atoms?
A
Fatty acids
B
Amino acids
C
Glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$)
D
Water ($H_2O$)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the question, which asks for a type of molecule commonly found in living organisms that lacks carbon atoms. Carbon is a key element in organic molecules, so identifying molecules without carbon is crucial.
Step 2: Analyze the options provided: Fatty acids, Amino acids, Glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$), and Water ($H_2O$). Note that fatty acids, amino acids, and glucose all contain carbon atoms as part of their molecular structure.
Step 3: Examine the molecular formula of water ($H_2O$). Water consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and it does not contain any carbon atoms.
Step 4: Recall that water is an inorganic molecule, meaning it does not contain carbon, unlike the other options which are organic molecules and integral to biological processes.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is water ($H_2O$), as it is the only molecule in the list that lacks carbon atoms and is commonly found in living organisms.