5 Questions
Explain the concept of optical isomers/enantiomers in the context of monosaccharides.
Optical isomers, or enantiomers, are molecules that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. In the context of monosaccharides, they refer to D- and L-isomers, where the naturally occurring D-isomer sugars can be metabolized via glycolysis only. Most naturally occurring sugars are D-isomers.
What are epimers and how do they relate to monosaccharides?
Epimers are stereoisomers with different configurations at one asymmetric carbon. In the context of monosaccharides, isomers of glucose differ in the spatial arrangements of the C=O and OH group.
Explain the concept of anomers in the context of monosaccharides.
Anomers are stereoisomers that differ in the configuration of the anomeric carbon. In the context of monosaccharides, an alpha or beta configuration is 'locked' when the glycosidic bond is formed between two monosaccharides, producing anomer sugars such as α and β-glucose.
How do polysaccharides act as energy stores in living organisms?
Polysaccharides act as energy stores in living organisms, with examples such as starch (amylose, amylopectin) in plants and glycogen in animals. They serve as a long-term energy storage form due to their complex structure.
What is glycosylation and how does it contribute to the formation of recognition molecules?
Glycosylation is the process by which sugars are modified with a protein or lipid. This process produces complex oligosaccharides, which enable recognition molecules to be formed. These recognition molecules play a key role in various biological processes.
Test your knowledge about the key monomers of life, including sugars and the structure and properties of carbohydrates such as monosaccharides. Explore concepts like glycosidic bonds, ring structures, and optical isomers.
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