Ketoses are a type of sugar molecule belonging to the larger category of carbohydrates. Specifically, they are monosaccharides (simple sugars) that contain a ketone functional group.
In terms of their chemical structure, ketoses have a carbonyl group (C=O) attached to an internal carbon atom. This is in contrast to aldoses, another type of monosaccharide, where the carbonyl group exists at the end of the carbon chain. The position of the ketone group within the ketose molecule influences its properties and behavior.
Ketoses can occur naturally in various foods, such as fruits and honey, or as intermediates in metabolic pathways within living organisms. Common examples of ketoses include fructose, which is found abundantly in fruits, and ribulose, a molecule involved in the process of photosynthesis in plants.
Due to their structure and chemical properties, ketoses often exhibit different reactivity compared to aldoses. They can undergo reactions such as isomerization, dehydration, and reduction, leading to the formation of a range of other organic compounds.
Ketoses play important biological roles both as energy sources and as constituents of complex molecules like nucleic acids and glycolipids. They are also used in various industrial applications, such as the production of sweeteners, flavorings, and pharmaceuticals.
Overall, ketoses represent a significant group of carbohydrates characterized by the presence of a ketone functional group, serving diverse roles in nature and human applications.
