Which of the following categories includes all others in the list?a. disaccharideb. polysaccharidec. starchd. carbohydrate

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the main categories and subcategories in the list.
2. Understand that carbohydrates are a large group of organic compounds.
3. Recognize that disaccharides and polysaccharides are types of carbohydrates.
4. Note that starch is a specific type of polysaccharide.
5. Conclude that the category 'carbohydrate' includes all the other options in the list.

Key Concepts

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in a ratio of 1:2:1. They are classified into three main categories: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Carbohydrates serve as a primary energy source for living organisms and play crucial roles in cellular structure and function.

Disaccharides

Disaccharides are carbohydrates formed by the combination of two monosaccharide molecules through a glycosidic bond. Common examples include sucrose (table sugar) and lactose (milk sugar). Disaccharides are a subset of carbohydrates and are typically broken down into monosaccharides for energy use in the body.

Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates composed of long chains of monosaccharide units linked together. They can be branched or unbranched and serve various functions, such as energy storage (e.g., starch and glycogen) and structural support (e.g., cellulose in plant cell walls). Polysaccharides encompass both disaccharides and simpler sugars, making them a broader category.