Consider the following statements. 1. The simplest hydrocarbon is methane (CH4). 2. Hydrocarbons support life directly as carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids 3. Benzene is unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbon. Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 2 B. 1 and 3 C. 2 and 3 D. 1, 2 and 3

The correct answer is B. 1 and 3.

Statement 1 is correct. Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon. It is a gas at room temperature and pressure. It is the main component of natural gas.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Hydrocarbons do not support life directly as carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids. Carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids are all organic compounds, but they are not hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are compounds that are made up of only carbon and hydrogen atoms.

Statement 3 is correct. Benzene is an unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbon. It is a colorless, flammable liquid. It is used as a solvent and as a starting material for the production of other chemicals.

Here is a brief explanation of each option:

• Option A: 1 and 2. This option is incorrect because statement 2 is incorrect.
• Option B: 1 and 3. This option is correct because statement 1 is correct and statement 3 is correct.
• Option C: 2 and 3. This option is incorrect because statement 2 is incorrect.
• Option D: 1, 2, and 3. This option is incorrect because statement 2 is incorrect.