What type of compounds consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen?

The correct response is based on the fundamental structure of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are organic compounds composed predominantly of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a specific ratio, typically with the empirical formula (CH2O)n. This means that for every carbon atom in the molecule, there are typically two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom attached.

Carbohydrates play crucial roles in biological functions, primarily serving as a major source of energy for living organisms. They are also important for structural purposes in plants (e.g., cellulose) and participate in various metabolic processes.

The other options represent different types of compounds that do not primarily consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. For example, proteins are made up of amino acids that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Vitamins are a diverse group of organic molecules that can contain various other elements, including nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus, along with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but they do not fit into the specific category of compounds primarily made up of just the latter three. Minerals are inorganic elements that do not contain carbon, hydrogen, or oxygen in their structure. Therefore, carbohydrates are the only compounds listed that meet the criteria of being composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.