How Glucose Molecules Combine to Form Complex Carbohydrates
Basic Building Block: Glucose
Glucose is the fundamental unit of carbohydrates, acting like a tiny LEGO brick that can connect with other glucose molecules to build larger structures. Each glucose molecule has a specific chemical structure with important functional groups that allow these combinations to occur.
Note
Glucose molecules can join together through a process called condensation reaction, where a water molecule is removed as the molecules link together.
Formation of Disaccharides
Disaccharides are formed when two glucose molecules (or other monosaccharides) join together. Here's how it happens:
- Two monosaccharides come together
- A water molecule ($H_2O$) is removed
- A glycosidic bond forms between the molecules
Common examples of disaccharides include:
- Maltose (glucose + glucose)
- Sucrose (glucose + fructose)
- Lactose (glucose + galactose)
Tip
Think of disaccharides as two-car trains, where each car represents a simple sugar molecule connected by the glycosidic bond "coupling".
Formation of Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides are long chains of glucose molecules linked together. The process is similar to disaccharide formation but involves many more glucose units.
Key polysaccharides include:
