1.1.3 Monosaccharides

• Glucose is a common monosaccharide that contains six carbon atoms (a hexose sugar). It plays a crucial role as the main substrate for respiration, providing energy for cells. Glucose exists in two isomeric forms: alpha-glucose and beta-glucose, which differ in the arrangement of atoms around the first carbon atom.

• Other common monosaccharides include fructose and galactose. These sugars, like glucose, are typically sweet-tasting, soluble, and follow the general formula (CH₂O)ₙ, where n can range from 3 to 7.

Monosaccharides are important in metabolic processes, and they provide the basic units for constructing larger carbohydrate molecules. For example, combining two monosaccharides forms a disaccharide through a condensation reaction.