Which of the following are the monomers that make up carbohydrates?

• A. Monosaccharides
• B. Nucleotides
• C. Fatty acids
• D. Amino acids

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the term 'monomer.' A monomer is a small molecule that can bind chemically to other molecules to form a polymer. In the context of biology, polymers are macromolecules like carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids.
2. Step 2: Recall the structure and function of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are macromolecules that serve as energy sources and structural components in cells. Their monomers are simple sugars, known as monosaccharides.
3. Step 3: Examine the options provided: Monosaccharides, Nucleotides, Fatty acids, and Amino acids. Identify which of these are associated with carbohydrates. Monosaccharides are the building blocks of carbohydrates, while the others are monomers for different macromolecules (e.g., nucleotides for nucleic acids, fatty acids for lipids, and amino acids for proteins).
4. Step 4: Understand the role of monosaccharides in forming carbohydrates. Monosaccharides, such as glucose, fructose, and galactose, can combine through glycosidic bonds to form disaccharides (e.g., sucrose) and polysaccharides (e.g., starch, glycogen, cellulose).
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is monosaccharides, as they are the specific monomers that make up carbohydrates. The other options are unrelated to carbohydrate structure.