Hexoses
Hexoses
Hexoses (/ˈhɛksəʊz/; from Greek hex, "six" and -ose, "sugar") are a type of monosaccharide with six carbon atoms. They are the most common form of sugar found in nature and play a crucial role in the metabolism of many organisms.
Etymology
The term "hexose" is derived from the Greek word hex, meaning "six", and the suffix -ose, which is used in biochemistry to denote sugars. This is in reference to the six carbon atoms that make up hexoses.
Types of Hexoses
There are several types of hexoses, including glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose, gulose, idose, allose, and altrose. Each of these sugars has a different structure and function in the body, but all are important for energy production and other metabolic processes.
Glucose
Glucose is the most common hexose and is the primary source of energy for cells. It is produced by plants during photosynthesis and is used by animals for energy production through the process of glycolysis.
Fructose
Fructose is a hexose found in many fruits and honey. It is sweeter than glucose and is often used as a sweetener in processed foods. In the body, fructose is converted into glucose for use in energy production.
Galactose
Galactose is a hexose that is part of the disaccharide lactose, found in milk. It is less sweet than glucose and fructose and is used by the body in the synthesis of glycoproteins and glycolipids.
Metabolism of Hexoses
Hexoses are metabolized in the body through a series of chemical reactions known as glycolysis. This process breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Other hexoses, such as fructose and galactose, are converted into glucose before they can be metabolized.
Related Terms
- Monosaccharide: A simple sugar that cannot be hydrolyzed to give a smaller sugar molecule. Hexoses are a type of monosaccharide.
- Disaccharide: A sugar composed of two monosaccharides. For example, lactose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and galactose.
- Polysaccharide: A complex carbohydrate composed of many monosaccharides linked together. Starch and cellulose are examples of polysaccharides.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hexoses
- Wikipedia's article - Hexoses
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