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Multiple Choice
What is the single most abundant compound in living organisms?
A
Water ($H_2O$)
B
Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$)
C
Glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$)
D
Oxygen ($O_2$)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the question. The problem is asking for the single most abundant compound in living organisms, which means identifying the compound that is present in the highest quantity across all living organisms.
Step 2: Review the options provided: Water ($H_2O$), Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), Glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$), and Oxygen ($O_2$). Each of these compounds plays a role in biological processes, but their abundance varies.
Step 3: Recall the importance of water ($H_2O$) in biology. Water is a universal solvent, essential for biochemical reactions, and makes up a significant portion of the mass of living organisms. It is involved in processes like transport, temperature regulation, and cellular structure.
Step 4: Compare water ($H_2O$) to the other options. Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) is a gas involved in photosynthesis and respiration but is not as abundant as water. Glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$) is a sugar used for energy but exists in smaller quantities. Oxygen ($O_2$) is a gas used in respiration but is not a compound; it is a molecule.
Step 5: Conclude that water ($H_2O$) is the single most abundant compound in living organisms due to its critical role and prevalence in biological systems.