Final answer:
Glucose molecules are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. In plants, carbon dioxide is converted into glucose through photosynthesis. Animals obtain carbon by consuming plants or other animals that have synthesized glucose.
Step-by-step explanation:
Glucose molecules are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. The carbon atoms used to build carbohydrate molecules come from various sources depending on the organism. In plants, carbon is obtained through the process of photosynthesis where carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is converted into glucose. Animals, on the other hand, obtain carbon by consuming plants or other animals that have already synthesized glucose.