Which list correctly shows carbohydrates in order from smallest to largest size?

• A. Glucose, maltose, starch
• B. Starch, maltose, glucose
• C. Maltose, glucose, starch
• D. Starch, glucose, maltose

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure and classification of carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are organic molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They are classified into monosaccharides (single sugar units), disaccharides (two sugar units), and polysaccharides (many sugar units).
2. Identify the molecules in the problem: Glucose is a monosaccharide, maltose is a disaccharide, and starch is a polysaccharide. This classification is key to determining their relative sizes.
3. Compare the sizes of the carbohydrates: Monosaccharides like glucose are the smallest because they consist of a single sugar unit. Disaccharides like maltose are larger because they are composed of two sugar units. Polysaccharides like starch are the largest because they are made of many sugar units linked together.
4. Arrange the carbohydrates in order from smallest to largest size based on their classification: Start with the monosaccharide (glucose), followed by the disaccharide (maltose), and finally the polysaccharide (starch).
5. Verify the correct sequence: The correct order is glucose, maltose, starch, as this reflects the increasing complexity and size of the carbohydrate molecules.