Which type of molecule commonly found in living organisms lacks carbon atoms?

• A. Fatty acids
• B. Amino acids
• C. Glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\))
• D. Water (\(H_2O\))

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the question, which asks for a type of molecule commonly found in living organisms that lacks carbon atoms. Carbon is a key element in organic molecules, so identifying molecules without carbon is crucial.
2. Step 2: Analyze the options provided: Fatty acids, Amino acids, Glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)), and Water (\(H_2O\)). Note that fatty acids, amino acids, and glucose all contain carbon atoms as part of their molecular structure.
3. Step 3: Examine the molecular formula of water (\(H_2O\)). Water consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and it does not contain any carbon atoms.
4. Step 4: Recall that water is an inorganic molecule, meaning it does not contain carbon, unlike the other options which are organic molecules and integral to biological processes.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is water (\(H_2O\)), as it is the only molecule in the list that lacks carbon atoms and is commonly found in living organisms.