Which of the following carbohydrates is not typically used for energy storage?

• A. $\mathrm{Ribose}$
• B. $\mathrm{Glucose}$
• C. $\mathrm{Fructose}$
• D. $\mathrm{Galactose}$

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the role of carbohydrates in energy storage. Carbohydrates are organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and they serve as a primary energy source for living organisms.
2. Identify the common carbohydrates used for energy storage. Typically, glucose, fructose, and galactose are involved in energy storage processes. Glucose is a key energy source in cellular respiration, fructose is found in fruits and is metabolized for energy, and galactose is part of lactose, which is broken down for energy.
3. Consider the structure and function of ribose. Ribose is a pentose sugar, which means it has five carbon atoms. It is a component of RNA and is crucial for genetic material synthesis rather than energy storage.
4. Compare the roles of these carbohydrates. While glucose, fructose, and galactose are directly involved in energy metabolism, ribose is primarily involved in the synthesis of nucleotides and nucleic acids.
5. Conclude that ribose is not typically used for energy storage, as its primary function is related to genetic material synthesis rather than serving as an energy source.