Which of the following is the simplest ketose?
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A.
Dihydroxyacetone
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B.
Glyceraldehyde
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C.
Xylose
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D.
Erythrose
Correct Answer:
A. Dihydroxyacetone
Explanation:
Dihydroxyacetone is the simplest ketose because it contains only three carbon atoms, making it a triose. Unlike aldoses like glyceraldehyde, which feature an aldehyde group at the first carbon, ketoses such as dihydroxyacetone possess a ketone functional group, typically located at the second carbon. While larger monosaccharides like erythrose (four carbons) and xylose (five carbons) also exist as sugars, dihydroxyacetone represents the most basic structural unit of the ketose family. Furthermore, it is unique among simple sugars for lacking a chiral center, meaning it does not have optical isomers.
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