Trehalose is a type of sugar that is commonly found in plants, fungi, and some animals. The spelling of the word "Trehalose" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. The first syllable "tre-" is pronounced as "trɛ-" with the "ɛ" sound resembling the "e" in "bed". The second syllable "-ha-" is pronounced as "heɪ" with the "eɪ" sound resembling the "ay" sound in "day". The final syllable "-lose" is pronounced as "loʊs" with the "oʊ" sound resembling the "oh" sound in "no".
Trehalose is a naturally occurring disaccharide, meaning it is composed of two sugar molecules, namely glucose. It is found in a variety of sources such as plants, fungi, bacteria, and insects. The molecular structure of trehalose is unique, as it differs from other common disaccharides like sucrose or lactose. It consists of two glucose molecules with an α, α-1,1-glycosidic linkage, which is responsible for its distinctive properties and functionalities.
Trehalose has gained significant attention and applications in various fields due to its exceptional stabilizing properties. It is known to protect organisms, such as plants and animals, from stressful conditions like extreme temperatures, dehydration, or desiccation. Moreover, trehalose exhibits excellent resistance to degradation, which allows it to maintain its structure and function over time. These characteristics have made trehalose a valuable ingredient in numerous industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
In the food industry, trehalose is often utilized as a natural sweetener and flavor enhancer due to its mild sweetness and ability to mask off-flavors. It also acts as a humectant, preventing moisture loss and maintaining the freshness of food products. Trehalose's stability and protective qualities have led to its application in preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of various products, including baked goods, dairy, and processed meats.
Furthermore, trehalose has potential therapeutic applications due to its exceptional properties. It has been studied for its ability to protect cells and tissues during freezing, drying, and other harsh conditions, making it a promising component in pharmaceutical formulations or medical storage solutions. Additionally, research indicates that trehalose may have beneficial effects on various health conditions, such as neurode
A sugar, C12H22O11, contained in trehala.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "trehalose" has its etymology rooted in the combination of two separate parts.
The first part, "treha", is derived from the German word "Trehal" which was first coined by the German chemist Walter Norman Haworth in 1932. Haworth discovered a type of sugar containing two glucose molecules bound together, which he named "Trehalose". The "treha" in "trehalose" is derived from the first syllable of its name, "Treh-".
The second part, "lose", is derived from the suffix "-ose" which is commonly used to indicate a sugar. "-Ose" is derived from the French word "ose" meaning sugar, and ultimately has its roots in the Latin word "osum" meaning sweet.