Nokea
Which of the following must be present in order to be considered an organic molecule?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: To be considered an organic molecule, carbon (C) must be present. Organic molecules are primarily composed of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen (H) atoms, along with other elements like oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), sulfur, and phosphorus. Carbon is the backbone of organic compounds due to its unique bonding properties and ability to form long and complex chains, making it an essential element in organic chemistry. While hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen are commonly found in organic molecules, it is the presence of carbon that defines a compound as organic. Without carbon, a molecule cannot be classified as organic, regardless of the presence of other elements.