Final Answer:
The arranged order from least to greatest representative size is as follows: Carbon atom, carboxylic acid, disaccharide, triglyceride, protein.
Step-by-step explanation:
The size of molecules and compounds can be determined by considering their molecular structures and the number of constituent atoms. In this case, we'll compare the sizes of a carbon atom, carboxylic acid, disaccharide, triglyceride, and protein.
Firstly, a carbon atom is the smallest unit among these terms, being a fundamental building block of organic molecules. Carboxylic acid, consisting of a carbon atom bonded to both an oxygen and a hydroxyl group, is slightly larger than a single carbon atom.
Moving on to disaccharide, it is a sugar molecule composed of two monosaccharides. The addition of multiple atoms increases its size compared to carboxylic acid. Triglyceride, composed of glycerol and three fatty acids, is larger than disaccharide due to the presence of additional carbon and hydrogen atoms.
Lastly, a protein is the largest among these terms, consisting of long chains of amino acids. Proteins have complex structures and are larger than the other molecules mentioned.
Therefore, the order from least to greatest representative size is carbon atom < carboxylic acid < disaccharide < triglyceride < protein. This order is based on the increasing complexity and number of atoms in each term, leading to a progressive increase in size.