Which of the following sugars might have the formula C6H12O6?
A. triose B. pentose C. heptose D. hexose
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D. hexose.
Sugars are classified based on the number of carbon atoms they contain. The formula C6H12O6 corresponds to a sugar with 6 carbon atoms, which fits the description of a hexose. Hexoses are monosaccharides with six carbon atoms, and they are one of the most common types of sugars found in nature, including glucose, fructose, and galactose. These sugars play crucial roles in energy metabolism in living organisms, serving as building blocks for larger carbohydrates like disaccharides and polysaccharides.
To explain further:
- Triose (A): A triose has 3 carbon atoms. The general formula for a triose is C3H6O3, so it cannot have the formula C6H12O6.
- Pentose (B): A pentose has 5 carbon atoms. The formula for a pentose would be C5H10O5, not C6H12O6.
- Heptose (C): A heptose contains 7 carbon atoms. The formula for a heptose would be C7H14O7, which is not the same as C6H12O6.
In contrast, hexoses are the only group in this list that fits the formula C6H12O6. These sugars can exist in various isomeric forms, such as glucose, which is a key energy source for cells. In biological systems, hexoses can be metabolized through processes like glycolysis, which breaks them down to release energy.
Hexoses are also important in the synthesis of other carbohydrates like disaccharides (e.g., sucrose, which is made from glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides (e.g., starch and cellulose), which are crucial for energy storage and structural support in plants and animals.