Which statement correctly describes the solubility of monosaccharides?

Which statement correctly describes the solubility of monosaccharides?

• A. They are water insoluble and high molecular weight.
• B. They are lipid soluble and large molecules.
• C. They polymerize in solution.
• D. They are water soluble and have low molecular weight.

Answer: (D)

Monosaccharides are small, highly polar molecules with many hydroxyl groups. This makes them form strong hydrogen bonds with water, so they dissolve readily in water. Their low molecular weight means they stay dissolved rather than needing large, nonpolar environments to solvate them. They are not lipid soluble because their polarity prevents dissolution in fats. While monosaccharides can link together to form larger polysaccharides under the right conditions, that polymerization is a separate process and does not define their solubility. Therefore, describing them as water soluble with low molecular weight best fits their typical behavior in solution.

Monosaccharides are small, highly polar molecules with many hydroxyl groups. This makes them form strong hydrogen bonds with water, so they dissolve readily in water. Their low molecular weight means they stay dissolved rather than needing large, nonpolar environments to solvate them. They are not lipid soluble because their polarity prevents dissolution in fats. While monosaccharides can link together to form larger polysaccharides under the right conditions, that polymerization is a separate process and does not define their solubility. Therefore, describing them as water soluble with low molecular weight best fits their typical behavior in solution.