Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes a sugar in the context of carbohydrates?
A
A nucleic acid responsible for genetic information storage
B
A monosaccharide or disaccharide that serves as a basic unit of carbohydrates
C
A protein that catalyzes biochemical reactions
D
A type of lipid involved in energy storage
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context of the question: It is asking for the best description of a sugar in the context of carbohydrates. This requires knowledge of carbohydrate structure and function.
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 energy sources and structural components in living organisms.
Identify the basic units of carbohydrates: The simplest forms of carbohydrates are monosaccharides (e.g., glucose, fructose) and disaccharides (e.g., sucrose, lactose). These are commonly referred to as sugars.
Eliminate incorrect options: A nucleic acid is involved in genetic information storage, not carbohydrates. Proteins catalyze biochemical reactions, and lipids are involved in energy storage, but neither describes sugars in the context of carbohydrates.
Conclude that the correct description of a sugar in the context of carbohydrates is 'A monosaccharide or disaccharide that serves as a basic unit of carbohydrates.' This aligns with the structural and functional role of sugars in biochemistry.