In terms of solubility, how are carbohydrates commonly categorized?

• A. Nonpolar
• B. Hydrophobic
• C. Hydrophilic
• D. Amphipathic

Answer: (C)

Carbohydrates are primarily categorized as hydrophilic due to their molecular structure, which typically contains multiple hydroxyl (–OH) groups. These hydroxyl groups are polar and can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, enhancing their solubility in aqueous environments. This characteristic is essential for numerous physiological processes, such as digestion, absorption, and transport of carbohydrates within the body.

Carbohydrates, including simple sugars like glucose and complex sugars like starch, readily dissolve in water, facilitating their roles in energy supply and cellular functions. The hydrophilic nature of carbohydrates also contributes to their ability to interact with other biomolecules in biological systems, further emphasizing their importance in physiological processes.

Contrastingly, nonpolar and hydrophobic classifications are relevant to molecules that do not mix well with water, while amphipathic refers to molecules that contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts, which does not align with the general solubility behavior of carbohydrates. Thus, the classification of carbohydrates as hydrophilic accurately reflects their interactions with water and their functional roles in the body.