Question

Monosaccharides have .......... number of carbon atoms

• A. $20$
• B. $10-15$
• C. $2-10$
• D. $3-7$

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

$3-7$

Monosaccharides are the simplest carbohydrates which cannot be hydrolysed into smaller units. They usually have 3-7 carbon atoms per molecule. They have been named on the basis of number of carbon atoms in them. Those with 3,4,5,6 and 7 carbon atoms are known as trioses, tetroses, pentoses, hexoses and heptoses respectively. Their general formula is C_nH_2nO_n.

_{Thus, the correct answer is option D.}