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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the basic building blocks of carbohydrates?
A
Fatty acids and glycerol
B
Nucleotides such as adenine and guanine
C
Amino acids such as glycine and alanine
D
Monosaccharides such as glucose, fructose, and galactose
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the question: The problem is asking about the basic building blocks of carbohydrates, which are essential macromolecules in biochemistry.
Recall the definition of carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in a ratio of 1:2:1. They serve as a primary energy source and structural components in living organisms.
Identify the building blocks: The basic building blocks of carbohydrates are monosaccharides, which are simple sugars. Examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.
Differentiate from other macromolecules: Fatty acids and glycerol are building blocks of lipids, nucleotides are building blocks of nucleic acids, and amino acids are building blocks of proteins. These are not related to carbohydrates.
Conclude: Monosaccharides such as glucose, fructose, and galactose are the correct answer because they are the simplest form of carbohydrates and serve as the fundamental units for more complex carbohydrates like disaccharides and polysaccharides.