Which of the following is a simple carbohydrate found in cells?

Glucose is a simple carbohydrate that plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism. It is a primary source of energy for cells and is essential for numerous biological processes. Upon entering the cells, glucose undergoes glycolysis, a metabolic pathway that breaks down the molecule to harvest energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). The simplicity of its structure—comprising six carbon atoms, twelve hydrogen atoms, and six oxygen atoms—defines it as a monosaccharide, which categorizes glucose alongside other simple carbohydrates.

The other choices, while also simple carbohydrates, serve different specific roles; for instance, fructose is primarily found in fruits and contributes to energy production but is not as universally utilized by all cells as glucose. Galactose, a component of lactose, is involved in energy production but is less prevalent directly in cellular metabolism compared to glucose. Ribose, another monosaccharide, is critical for the synthesis of RNA and ATP but is not the primary energy source used in general cellular processes. Thus, glucose stands out as the most significant and widely utilized simple carbohydrate in cells.