FRUCTOSAN Meaning and
Definition
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Fructosan refers to a type of carbohydrate, specifically a polysaccharide, that consists of fructose molecules linked together. It is commonly found in various types of plants, particularly those that store carbohydrates as a form of reserve energy. Fructosan can be classified into two main categories: inulin and levans.
Inulin, a linear type of fructosan, is made up of a chain of fructose molecules joined by beta (2→1) bonds. It is commonly found in various root vegetables, such as Jerusalem artichoke, chicory, and dandelion. Inulin serves as a storage polysaccharide, providing plants with a readily available source of energy when needed. Furthermore, it is also recognized for its prebiotic properties, as it cannot be digested by human enzymes but instead acts as a food source for beneficial gut bacteria.
Levans, on the other hand, are branched fructosans that consist of fructose molecules linked by beta (2→6) bonds with occasional beta (2→1) branches. They are mainly produced by plants, especially grasses, as part of their defense mechanism against pathogens. Levans have been shown to exhibit antifungal and antibacterial properties. They are also utilized in various applications such as the production of high-fructose syrups and as a raw material for industrially important enzymes.
In summary, fructosan is a type of carbohydrate composed of fructose molecules linked together. It encompasses two main categories - inulin and levans - with different structures and functions. Fructosans are widely found in plants and possess various physiological and industrial significances.
Common Misspellings for FRUCTOSAN
- dructosan
- cructosan
- vructosan
- gructosan
- tructosan
- rructosan
- feuctosan
- fductosan
- ffuctosan
- ftuctosan
- f5uctosan
- f4uctosan
- fryctosan
- frhctosan
- frjctosan
- frictosan
- fr8ctosan
- fr7ctosan
- fruxtosan
- fruvtosan
Etymology of FRUCTOSAN
The word "fructosan" originates from the combination of two components: "fructo-" and "-san".
The prefix "fructo-" is derived from the Latin word "fructus", meaning "fruit". It is commonly used in scientific terminology to refer to sugars derived from fruits or carbohydrates resembling fruit sugars.
The suffix "-san" is a chemical suffix used to indicate a carbohydrate or sugar compound. It comes from the German word "Zuckeran", meaning "sugar", and is used in several chemical terms related to sugars.
Therefore, the word "fructosan" combines these elements to describe a sugar or carbohydrate compound that resembles or is derived from fruits.
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