Which of the following categories includes all others in the list? a. disaccharide b. polysaccharide c. starch d. carbohydrate

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the broadest category: Carbohydrates are a broad category that includes various types of sugars and starches.
2. Understand the hierarchy: Disaccharides and polysaccharides are subcategories of carbohydrates. Disaccharides consist of two sugar molecules bonded together, while polysaccharides are long chains of sugar molecules.
3. Recognize specific examples: Starch is a specific type of polysaccharide, which is itself a subcategory of carbohydrate.
4. Compare the options: Since starch is a type of polysaccharide and both disaccharide and polysaccharide are types of carbohydrates, carbohydrate is the category that includes all others listed.
5. Conclude the broadest category: Therefore, the answer is d. carbohydrate.

Key Concepts

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in a ratio of 1:2:1. They are classified into three main categories: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Carbohydrates serve as a primary energy source for living organisms and play crucial roles in cellular structure and function.

Disaccharides

Disaccharides are carbohydrates formed by the combination of two monosaccharide molecules through a glycosidic bond. Common examples include sucrose (table sugar) and lactose (milk sugar). Disaccharides are important for energy storage and transport in organisms, but they are less complex than polysaccharides.

Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are large, complex carbohydrates composed of long chains of monosaccharide units linked together. They serve various functions, including energy storage (e.g., starch and glycogen) and structural support (e.g., cellulose in plant cell walls). Polysaccharides encompass both disaccharides and simpler sugars, making them a broader category.