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Multiple Choice
Which of the following molecules is NOT a carbohydrate?
A
Glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$)
B
Sucrose ($C_{12}H_{22}O_{11}$)
C
Glycogen
D
Triglyceride
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the definition of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are organic molecules composed of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms, typically in a ratio of 1:2:1. They serve as a primary energy source and structural components in living organisms.
Step 2: Examine the molecular formulas of the given options. Glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$) and sucrose ($C_{12}H_{22}O_{11}$) both follow the typical carbohydrate formula and ratio. Glycogen is a polysaccharide, a complex carbohydrate made of glucose units.
Step 3: Understand the structure and function of triglycerides. Triglycerides are lipids, not carbohydrates. They consist of glycerol and three fatty acid chains, and their primary role is energy storage and insulation, not immediate energy supply like carbohydrates.
Step 4: Compare the molecular composition and functions of carbohydrates and triglycerides. Carbohydrates are hydrophilic and soluble in water, while triglycerides are hydrophobic and insoluble in water due to their fatty acid chains.
Step 5: Conclude that triglyceride is the molecule that does not fit the definition of a carbohydrate, as it is a lipid with a different structure and function.