Trehalose: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|A disaccharide sugar}} | |||
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Trehalose}} | |||
[[File:Trehalose.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of trehalose]] | [[File:Trehalose.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of trehalose]] | ||
'''Trehalose''' is a [[disaccharide]] consisting of two [[glucose]] molecules linked by an _,_-1,1-glycosidic bond. It is | '''Trehalose''' is a [[disaccharide]] sugar consisting of two [[glucose]] molecules linked by an _,_-1,1-glycosidic bond. It is found naturally in many plants, fungi, and invertebrates, and is known for its ability to protect organisms from extreme conditions such as dehydration and freezing. | ||
== Structure and Properties == | ==Structure and Properties== | ||
Trehalose is composed of two _-D-glucose units. The unique _,_-1,1 linkage distinguishes it from other disaccharides such as [[maltose]], which has an _-1,4 linkage. This linkage gives trehalose its non-reducing properties, making it more stable than other sugars. | |||
Trehalose is | Trehalose is a white, crystalline powder that is moderately sweet and highly soluble in water. It is known for its ability to retain moisture, which makes it useful in food preservation and cosmetics. | ||
== Biological Role == | ==Biological Role== | ||
Trehalose serves as an important source of energy and carbon in many organisms. It is particularly notable for its role in [[anhydrobiosis]], a state of suspended animation that allows organisms to survive extreme dehydration. In this process, trehalose replaces water in cells, stabilizing proteins and membranes. | |||
In [[fungi]], trehalose is a major carbohydrate reserve, while in [[insects]], it is the primary blood sugar. It is also found in [[bacteria]] and [[yeast]], where it plays a role in stress response. | |||
== Industrial | ==Industrial and Commercial Uses== | ||
Trehalose is used in the food industry as a sweetener and stabilizer. Its ability to protect biological structures makes it valuable in the preservation of food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It is also used in the cryopreservation of cells and tissues. | |||
==Health and Safety== | |||
Trehalose is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by food safety authorities. It is metabolized by the enzyme trehalase, which breaks it down into two glucose molecules. However, individuals with trehalase deficiency may experience digestive issues when consuming trehalose. | |||
== Health and Safety == | |||
Trehalose is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the | |||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Disaccharide]] | * [[Disaccharide]] | ||
* [[Glucose]] | * [[Glucose]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Anhydrobiosis]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Maltose]] | ||
[[Category:Disaccharides]] | [[Category:Disaccharides]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Sweeteners]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Carbohydrates]] | ||
Latest revision as of 03:55, 13 February 2025
A disaccharide sugar
Trehalose is a disaccharide sugar consisting of two glucose molecules linked by an _,_-1,1-glycosidic bond. It is found naturally in many plants, fungi, and invertebrates, and is known for its ability to protect organisms from extreme conditions such as dehydration and freezing.
Structure and Properties[edit]
Trehalose is composed of two _-D-glucose units. The unique _,_-1,1 linkage distinguishes it from other disaccharides such as maltose, which has an _-1,4 linkage. This linkage gives trehalose its non-reducing properties, making it more stable than other sugars.
Trehalose is a white, crystalline powder that is moderately sweet and highly soluble in water. It is known for its ability to retain moisture, which makes it useful in food preservation and cosmetics.
Biological Role[edit]
Trehalose serves as an important source of energy and carbon in many organisms. It is particularly notable for its role in anhydrobiosis, a state of suspended animation that allows organisms to survive extreme dehydration. In this process, trehalose replaces water in cells, stabilizing proteins and membranes.
In fungi, trehalose is a major carbohydrate reserve, while in insects, it is the primary blood sugar. It is also found in bacteria and yeast, where it plays a role in stress response.
Industrial and Commercial Uses[edit]
Trehalose is used in the food industry as a sweetener and stabilizer. Its ability to protect biological structures makes it valuable in the preservation of food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It is also used in the cryopreservation of cells and tissues.
Health and Safety[edit]
Trehalose is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by food safety authorities. It is metabolized by the enzyme trehalase, which breaks it down into two glucose molecules. However, individuals with trehalase deficiency may experience digestive issues when consuming trehalose.
