Which sugar is a 6-carbon sugar commonly found in high concentrations in fruits?

Fructose is a 6-carbon sugar, also known as a hexose, and is renowned for its natural sweetness. It is predominantly found in many fruits, where it contributes to their characteristic flavor profile and sweetness. The molecular structure of fructose consists of six carbon atoms along with twelve hydrogen atoms and six oxygen atoms (C6H12O6), confirming its classification as a hexose. This sugar is often found in high concentrations in fruits such as apples, pears, and watermelons, making it a significant source of sweetness in the fruit category.

While glucose is also a 6-carbon sugar, it is primarily known for its role in energy metabolism and is not as commonly emphasized for its concentration in fruits compared to fructose. Galactose, although a 6-carbon sugar, is less prevalent in fruits and is more commonly found in dairy products as part of lactose. Sucrose, on the other hand, is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, and while it is indeed found in fruits, it is not classified as a single 6-carbon sugar. Therefore, the choice of fructose accurately highlights the sugar commonly associated with high concentrations in fruit.