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Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the chemical formula for a monomer of carbohydrates?
A
$\mathrm{C_{12}H_{22}O_{11}}$
B
$\mathrm{C_6H_{10}O_5}$
C
$\mathrm{C_2H_5OH}$
D
$\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}$
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the question. The problem is asking for the chemical formula of a monomer of carbohydrates. Monomers are the basic building blocks of larger molecules, and in the case of carbohydrates, the monomers are simple sugars known as monosaccharides.
Step 2: Recall the general formula for monosaccharides. Monosaccharides typically follow the formula $ ext{C}_n ext{H}_{2n} ext{O}_n$, where 'n' is the number of carbon atoms. Common examples include glucose ($ ext{C}_6 ext{H}_{12} ext{O}_6$) and fructose ($ ext{C}_6 ext{H}_{12} ext{O}_6$).
Step 3: Analyze the given options. Compare each chemical formula provided in the question to the general formula for monosaccharides. For example: $ ext{C}_{12} ext{H}_{22} ext{O}_{11}$ represents a disaccharide (e.g., sucrose), $ ext{C}_6 ext{H}_{10} ext{O}_5$ represents a polysaccharide subunit, and $ ext{C}_2 ext{H}_5 ext{OH}$ represents ethanol, which is not a carbohydrate.
Step 4: Identify the correct formula. The formula $ ext{C}_6 ext{H}_{12} ext{O}_6$ matches the general formula for monosaccharides and represents glucose, a common monomer of carbohydrates.
Step 5: Conclude that $ ext{C}_6 ext{H}_{12} ext{O}_6$ is the correct answer because it is the chemical formula for a monomer of carbohydrates, specifically a monosaccharide.