Which of the following is a simple carbohydrate?

• A. Starch
• B. Cellulose
• C. Glycogen
• D. Glucose

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are organic molecules made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and they are classified into simple and complex carbohydrates based on their structure.
2. Step 2: Define simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates, also known as monosaccharides, consist of single sugar molecules such as glucose, fructose, and galactose. They are the most basic form of carbohydrates.
3. Step 3: Define complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are polysaccharides, which are made up of long chains of monosaccharides. Examples include starch, cellulose, and glycogen.
4. Step 4: Compare the options provided in the question. Starch, cellulose, and glycogen are all complex carbohydrates because they are polysaccharides composed of multiple sugar units. Glucose, on the other hand, is a monosaccharide and therefore a simple carbohydrate.
5. Step 5: Conclude that glucose is the correct answer because it is a simple carbohydrate, while the other options are complex carbohydrates.