In a hexose monosaccharide, how many carbon atoms are present?

In a hexose monosaccharide, there are six carbon atoms present. The prefix "hex-" specifically denotes six, and hexose is a category of simple sugars that includes glucose, fructose, and galactose, all of which have the chemical formula C6H12O6, reflecting their six carbon atoms. This characteristic is fundamental in differentiating hexoses from other types of monosaccharides, such as pentoses, which contain five carbon atoms. Understanding this distinction is essential for the study of carbohydrate chemistry and metabolism, making it clear why the provided answer of six carbon atoms is the correct choice.