Glucoside
Glucoside
Glucoside (pronunciation: gloo·ko·side) is a type of glycoside that derives from glucose. Glucosides are common in plants, but can also be found in small amounts in animals.
Etymology
The term "glucoside" comes from the Greek word "glykys," which means "sweet." This is in reference to the sweet taste of many glucosides.
Definition
A glucoside is a compound that contains a carbohydrate (most often glucose) and a non-carbohydrate, which can be an aglycone or a genin. The non-carbohydrate part can be of various types, including phenolic glucosides, anthocyanin glucosides, and cyanogenic glucosides.
Types of Glucosides
There are several types of glucosides, including:
- Phenolic glucosides: These are derived from phenol and contain a glucose molecule.
- Anthocyanin glucosides: These are derived from anthocyanins, which are pigments found in many plants.
- Cyanogenic glucosides: These are derived from cyanide and contain a glucose molecule.
Function
Glucosides play a crucial role in many biological processes. They are involved in the storage and transport of energy in plants, and they also have a role in plant defense mechanisms. Some glucosides have medicinal properties and are used in the treatment of various diseases.
Related Terms
- Glycoside: A compound that contains a carbohydrate and a non-carbohydrate.
- Glucose: A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms.
- Phenol: A type of aromatic organic compound.
- Anthocyanin: A type of flavonoid that gives color to many fruits and flowers.
- Cyanide: A chemical compound that contains the cyano group.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Glucoside
- Wikipedia's article - Glucoside
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