Question

identify the elements that plants require to build carbohydrates, which are the molecules that make up most of their biomass. i need a hint select all that apply: phosphorus nitrogen oxygen carbon sulfur hydrogen

Explanation:

Carbohydrates are organic compounds. The general formula for carbohydrates is \(C_n(H_2O)_n\). From this formula, we can see that the elements required to build carbohydrates are carbon (\(C\)), hydrogen (\(H\)), and oxygen (\(O\)). Phosphorus (\(P\)), nitrogen (\(N\)), and sulfur (\(S\)) are not part of the basic structure of carbohydrates. Phosphorus is often found in nucleic acids (like DNA and RNA) and some lipids (like phospholipids), nitrogen is a key element in proteins and nucleic acids, and sulfur is present in some amino acids (like cysteine and methionine) which are part of proteins.

Answer:

C. Oxygen, D. Carbon, F. Hydrogen