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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is true about carbohydrates?
A
All carbohydrates are insoluble in water.
B
Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in a 1:2:1 ratio.
C
Carbohydrates do not serve as an energy source in living organisms.
D
Cellulose is a disaccharide found in animal tissues.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by analyzing the chemical composition of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are organic molecules composed of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O), typically in a 1:2:1 ratio. This is a defining characteristic of carbohydrates and is true for monosaccharides like glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆).
Step 2: Evaluate the solubility of carbohydrates in water. Many carbohydrates, especially monosaccharides and disaccharides, are soluble in water due to their hydroxyl (-OH) groups, which can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Therefore, the statement 'All carbohydrates are insoluble in water' is incorrect.
Step 3: Assess the role of carbohydrates as an energy source. Carbohydrates are a primary energy source in living organisms. For example, glucose is metabolized during cellular respiration to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell. Thus, the statement 'Carbohydrates do not serve as an energy source in living organisms' is false.
Step 4: Examine the structure and classification of cellulose. Cellulose is a polysaccharide, not a disaccharide, and it is found in plant cell walls, not animal tissues. This makes the statement 'Cellulose is a disaccharide found in animal tissues' incorrect.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct statement is: 'Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in a 1:2:1 ratio.' This aligns with the chemical definition and properties of carbohydrates.