HESI A2 Chemistry Related

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What is a pentose sugar?

  • A. A 6 carbon sugar
  • B. A 4 carbon sugar
  • C. A 5 carbon sugar
  • D. A 7 carbon sugar
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A pentose is a 5-carbon sugar, as the prefix 'pent-' signifies five. Therefore, a pentose sugar consists of five carbon atoms. Choice A, 'A 6 carbon sugar,' is incorrect as a pentose sugar specifically has five carbons. Choice B, 'A 4 carbon sugar,' is incorrect as it describes a tetrose sugar, which has four carbons. Choice D, 'A 7 carbon sugar,' is incorrect as it does not correspond to the definition of a pentose sugar.