Disaccharide: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:52, 15 February 2025

Disaccharide[edit]

A disaccharide is a type of carbohydrate that is composed of two monosaccharide molecules bonded together. Disaccharides are an important class of sugars and are found in many foods. They are a type of oligosaccharide, which are carbohydrates that contain a small number of simple sugars.

Structure[edit]

Disaccharides are formed when two monosaccharides undergo a condensation reaction, which involves the removal of a water molecule. The bond that forms between the two sugar molecules is known as a glycosidic bond.

The most common disaccharides include:

Sucrose[edit]

Sucrose is perhaps the most well-known disaccharide. It is composed of one molecule of glucose and one molecule of fructose. Sucrose is commonly known as table sugar and is found in many plants, particularly in sugar cane and sugar beets.

Function[edit]

Disaccharides serve various functions in living organisms. They are primarily used as a source of energy. When consumed, disaccharides are broken down into their monosaccharide components by enzymes in the digestive system. For example, the enzyme sucrase breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Disaccharide''' is a type of [[carbohydrate]] that consists of two [[monosaccharide]] units linked together. Disaccharides are formed when two sugars are joined together and a molecule of water is removed -- a process called [[dehydration synthesis]].
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Disaccharide}}
-== Types of Disaccharides ==
+== Disaccharide ==
+A '''disaccharide''' is a type of [[carbohydrate]] that is composed of two [[monosaccharide]] molecules bonded together. Disaccharides are an important class of sugars and are found in many foods. They are a type of [[oligosaccharide]], which are carbohydrates that contain a small number of simple sugars.
-There are three major types of disaccharides:
+== Structure ==
+[[File:Sucrose_molecule.svg|thumb|right|200px|Structure of sucrose, a common disaccharide.]]
+Disaccharides are formed when two monosaccharides undergo a condensation reaction, which involves the removal of a water molecule. The bond that forms between the two sugar molecules is known as a [[glycosidic bond]].
-# '''[[Sucrose]]''': This is the most common disaccharide and is composed of [[glucose]] and [[fructose]]. Sucrose is commonly known as table sugar and is derived from sugar cane or sugar beets.
+The most common disaccharides include:
-# '''[[Lactose]]''': This disaccharide is composed of glucose and [[galactose]]. Lactose is found in milk and dairy products.
+* [[Sucrose]]
-# '''[[Maltose]]''': This disaccharide is composed of two glucose molecules. Maltose is found in malt products and is used in brewing beer.
+* [[Lactose]]
+* [[Maltose]]
-== Functions of Disaccharides ==
+== Sucrose ==
+[[Sucrose]] is perhaps the most well-known disaccharide. It is composed of one molecule of [[glucose]] and one molecule of [[fructose]]. Sucrose is commonly known as table sugar and is found in many plants, particularly in sugar cane and sugar beets.
-Disaccharides serve several functions in the body:
+== Function ==
+Disaccharides serve various functions in living organisms. They are primarily used as a source of energy. When consumed, disaccharides are broken down into their monosaccharide components by enzymes in the digestive system. For example, the enzyme [[sucrase]] breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose.
-* '''Energy Source''': Like all carbohydrates, disaccharides provide energy for the body. They are broken down into their monosaccharide components in the digestive system, which are then used for energy.
-* '''Energy Storage''': Disaccharides can be stored in the body for later use. For example, sucrose is stored in the stems of sugar cane and the roots of sugar beet plants.
-* '''Structural Role''': Some disaccharides, like sucrose, play a structural role in plants.
-== Health Implications ==
-Some people have difficulty digesting certain disaccharides, which can lead to health problems:
-* '''Lactose Intolerance''': This is a common condition where the body is unable to fully digest lactose. Symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, and gas.
-* '''Sucrose Intolerance''': This is a rare genetic disorder where the body is unable to digest sucrose, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms.
-== See Also ==
+== Related pages ==
 * [[Monosaccharide]]
 * [[Polysaccharide]]
 * [[Carbohydrate]]
-* [[Lactose Intolerance]]
+* [[Glycosidic bond]]
-* [[Sucrose Intolerance]]
-[[Category:Biochemistry]]
 [[Category:Carbohydrates]]
-[[Category:Nutrition]]
-{{stub}}
-{{dictionary-stub1}}