NANP Board Practice Exam 2025 - Free NANP Board Practice Questions and Study Guide

Carbohydrates are organic compounds that primarily consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. This composition aligns closely with the general formula for carbohydrates, which can be denoted as (CH₂O)n, where 'n' is the number of repeating units. The presence of carbon is central to forming the backbone of carbohydrate molecules, while hydrogen and oxygen are typically present in a 2:1 ratio, similar to water. This distinctive composition is essential for the structural and functional roles that carbohydrates serve in biological systems, including providing energy, serving as signaling molecules, and contributing to cellular structure.

The other options include elements that do not belong to the composition of carbohydrates, such as nitrogen and fluorine, which are not integral to the carbohydrate structure. Understanding these foundational elements is crucial for comprehending how carbohydrates function both in our diet and in biological processes.