Why is the anomeric carbon crucial in determining the reducing nature of a sugar?

• A. It is the site where hemiacetal or hemiketal groups can form, allowing the sugar to act as a reducing agent.
• B. It is the site where acetal groups form, making the sugar reducing.
• C. It stabilizes the sugar structure, preventing oxidation.
• D. It is always bonded to a ketone group, making the sugar non-reducing.

Answer: (A)