Chapter 24.2, Problem 12LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The main characteristics of monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides are to be described.

Concept introduction: Carbohydrates are sugar molecules. Carbohydrates are carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen-based monomers of ketones and aldehydes, including many hydroxyl groups.

Answer to Problem 12LC

The simplest type of sugar is called a monosaccharide. By condensation, two monosaccharides can be joined to form disaccharides. Long polymer chains comprised of monosaccharide chains are known as polysaccharides.

Explanation of Solution

The simplest kind of carbohydrates are called monosaccharides, commonly referred to as "simple sugars." "Mono-" indicates that just one unit of sugar is present. For example, glucose and fructose. Due to the spatial arrangement of constituents surrounding asymmetric carbons, monosaccharides can be enantiomers.

Condensation reactions join two monosaccharide molecules to form disaccharides. The prefix "di-" indicates two units of sugar are present. The formation of a glycosidic bond link occurs when two monosaccharides condense. For example, sucrose and maltose.

Polysaccharides are long polymer chains made of joining monosaccharide molecules. For example, starch and cellulose.

Conclusion

The simplest type of sugar is called a monosaccharide. By condensation, two monosaccharides can be joined to form disaccharides. Long polymer chains comprised of monosaccharide chains are known as polysaccharides.