Cellobiose
Cellobiose
Cellobiose (/ˈsɛləˌbaɪoʊs/) is a natural disaccharide with the formula C12H22O11. It is produced by the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose, a polysaccharide that makes up the cell walls of plants.
Etymology
The term "cellobiose" is derived from the word "cellulose" and the Greek word "bios" meaning life. The suffix "-ose" is used in biochemistry to form names of sugars.
Structure and Properties
Cellobiose is composed of two glucose units linked by a β(1→4) bond. It is a reducing sugar that can be hydrolyzed into two glucose molecules by the enzyme beta-glucosidase.
Biological Role
In nature, cellobiose is an intermediate product in the decomposition of cellulose. Certain microorganisms, such as Clostridium thermocellum, can metabolize cellobiose and use it as a source of energy.
Related Terms
- Cellulose: A complex carbohydrate that is the main constituent of plant cell walls and is used in making paper, rayon, and various other products.
- Glucose: A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and is a component of many carbohydrates.
- Beta-glucosidase: An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the glycosidic bonds to terminal non-reducing residues in beta-D-glucosides and oligosaccharides, with release of glucose.
- Clostridium thermocellum: A thermophilic, anaerobic, cellulolytic bacterium capable of directly converting cellulose into ethanol.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cellobiose
- Wikipedia's article - Cellobiose
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