Which of the following is an example of a monosaccharide?

To understand why the chosen answer is appropriate, it's essential to recognize the nature of monosaccharides. Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates and consist of single sugar molecules. Both glucose and fructose fit this definition, as they are individual sugar units that can be used directly by the body for energy.

Glucose, commonly found in fruits and honey, is crucial for energy production in cells. Fructose, also a sugar found in fruits, has a similar role and is metabolized differently compared to glucose. The presence of both glucose and fructose in the correct answer reflects the understanding that multiple monosaccharides can exist simultaneously.

On the other hand, sucrose is a disaccharide, which is made up of two monosaccharides: glucose and fructose linked together. This distinction is key in differentiating between the types of carbohydrates, as sucrose cannot be classified as a monosaccharide like glucose and fructose. Therefore, the correct answer encompasses both glucose and fructose, demonstrating an understanding of the basic structure of monosaccharides.