Structure of Glucose, Fructose, and Sucrose
Glucose:
- Glucose is a simple sugar and is one of the primary sources of energy for living organisms.
- Its chemical formula is C6H12O6, indicating that it consists of 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms.
- Glucose is a monosaccharide, which means it is a single sugar molecule.
- The structure of glucose is a hexose, meaning it has six carbon atoms arranged in a ring structure.
- Each carbon atom in the glucose molecule is attached to a hydroxyl group (-OH) and a hydrogen atom.
Fructose:
- Fructose is also a simple sugar, commonly found in fruits, honey, and some vegetables.
- Its chemical formula is also C6H12O6, similar to glucose.
- Fructose is also a monosaccharide and is categorized as a ketose because it has a ketone functional group.
- The structure of fructose is a pentose, as it contains five carbon atoms arranged in a ring structure.
- Fructose has a sweeter taste compared to glucose, making it a popular sweetener in various food products.
Sucrose:
- Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of one glucose molecule and one fructose molecule bonded together.
- Its chemical formula is C12H22O11, representing the combination of glucose and fructose.
- The structure of sucrose consists of a glycosidic bond linking the glucose and fructose molecules.
- Sucrose is commonly known as table sugar and is found in many sweet foods and beverages.
- When digested, sucrose is broken down into its constituent glucose and fructose molecules for energy utilization in the body.