Rhamnose

Rhamnose is a naturally occurring deoxy sugar. It can be classified as either a methyl-pentose or a 6-deoxy-hexose. Rhamnose occurs in nature in its L-form as L-rhamnose (6-deoxy-L-mannose). This is unusual, since most of the naturally occurring sugars are in D-form. Exceptions are the mucopolysaccharides and rhamnose itself.

Structure and properties

Rhamnose can exist in both a pyranose (ring) form and a furanose (ring) form. The pyranose form is more stable. Rhamnose is a component of many natural compounds including flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides. It is also used in the commercial production of certain chemicals.

Biological role

Rhamnose is an important part of the cell wall of some bacteria. It is also a component of the antigenic outer lipopolysaccharides present in the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria. In plants, rhamnose is a component of pectin and is important for plant growth and development.

Industrial use

Rhamnose is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent and in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of drugs. It is also used in the cosmetic industry for the production of skin care products.

See also

• Deoxy sugar
• Methyl-pentose
• 6-deoxy-hexose
• Mucopolysaccharides
• Flavonoids
• Terpenoids
• Glycosides
• Cell wall
• Antigen
• Lipopolysaccharides
• Gram-negative bacteria
• Pectin

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