MONOSACCHARIDES Meaning and
Definition
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Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, also known as simple sugars. They are the building blocks or individual units that make up more complex carbohydrate molecules. Monosaccharides are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. Their molecular formula is typically a multiple of the general formula CnH2nOn, where n represents the number of carbon atoms.
These molecules exhibit a basic structure, consisting of either an aldehyde group (-CHO) or a ketone group (C=O) along with multiple hydroxyl groups (-OH). Monosaccharides can have three to seven carbon atoms, classified as trioses, tetroses, pentoses, hexoses, or heptoses, based on the number of carbon atoms present in their structure.
Monosaccharides can exist in different forms, including straight chains or cyclic structures. In aqueous solutions, such as bodily fluids, monosaccharides predominantly exist in their cyclic forms. They are also commonly found in their D- or L- configurations, depending on the orientation of the hydroxyl group of their highest numbered asymmetric carbon atom.
These simple sugars serve as a vital source of energy for living organisms and play crucial roles in various biological processes. Glucose, fructose, and galactose are some examples of monosaccharides. Monosaccharides can also join together through glycosidic linkages to form disaccharides, polysaccharides, or oligosaccharides, leading to the formation of more complex carbohydrates.
Common Misspellings for MONOSACCHARIDES
Etymology of MONOSACCHARIDES
The word "monosaccharides" has its roots in Greek. "Mono-" translates to "single" or "one", and "saccharides" comes from the Greek word "sákcharon", meaning "sugar". Therefore, "monosaccharides" refers to the simplest form of sugar, consisting of a single sugar unit.
Similar spelling words for MONOSACCHARIDES
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