What is the molecular formula for glucose?

The molecular formula for glucose is represented as C6H12O6. This formula indicates that each molecule of glucose contains six carbon atoms, twelve hydrogen atoms, and six oxygen atoms. Glucose is a simple sugar and is classified as a monosaccharide. It serves as a primary energy source for cells and is crucial for various metabolic processes.

The structure of glucose consists of a hexose sugar, which means it has a six-carbon backbone, making it a principal carbohydrate in nature. This structure enables glucose to play a vital role in cellular respiration, a process that produces energy in the form of ATP. When glucose is metabolized, it can be broken down through glycolysis and other pathways, providing essential energy for living organisms.

In contrast, the other provided molecular formulas are associated with different compounds. For example, C5H10O5 may represent a pentose sugar, while C12H22O11 is the molecular formula for sucrose, which is a disaccharide formed from the combination of glucose and fructose. The formula C6H6O6 does not correspond to a known simple carbohydrate, as it suggests a structure that does not match glucose's molecular composition. Understanding the unique components of glucose is essential when studying its biological