Glyceraldehyde

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Glyceraldehyde

Glyceraldehyde (pronounced: glai-ser-al-duh-hide) is a simple monosaccharide (sugar) important in biochemistry. It is a 3-carbon structure and is the simplest of all common aldoses.

Etymology

The term "glyceraldehyde" is derived from "glycerin" and "aldehyde". Glycerin, or glycerol, is a simple polyol compound, while aldehyde refers to any organic compound containing a formyl group. This name reflects the structure of glyceraldehyde, which consists of a chain of three carbon atoms, with one end of the chain terminating in a formyl group.

Structure and Isomerism

Glyceraldehyde is an aldotriose, meaning it is a sugar with three carbon atoms and an aldehyde group. It exists in two isomeric forms, known as enantiomers, that are mirror images of each other. These forms are designated D-glyceraldehyde and L-glyceraldehyde.

Biological Importance

Glyceraldehyde plays a key role in glycolysis, the metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate. It is also a precursor to many other molecules, including amino acids, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Related Terms

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