To determine the number of oxygen atoms present in one molecule of serotonin, we need to consider its molecular formula: [tex]\( C_{10}H_{12}N_2O \)[/tex].
The molecular formula gives us the quantity of each type of atom in one molecule of the compound:
- [tex]\( C_{10} \)[/tex]: This indicates there are 10 carbon (C) atoms.
- [tex]\( H_{12} \)[/tex]: This indicates there are 12 hydrogen (H) atoms.
- [tex]\( N_2 \)[/tex]: This indicates there are 2 nitrogen (N) atoms.
- [tex]\( O \)[/tex]: This indicates there is 1 oxygen (O) atom.
From the molecular formula, it is clear that the molecule of serotonin contains only 1 oxygen atom.
Therefore, the number of oxygen atoms in one molecule of serotonin is:
D. 1 atom
