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Ch. 5 - An Introduction to Carbohydrates
Chapter 5, Problem 2

What type of bond is formed between two sugars in a disaccharide? a. glycosidic linkage b. phosphodiester bond c. peptide bond d. hydrogen bond

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Step 1: Understand the question. The question is asking about the type of bond that is formed between two sugar molecules when they combine to form a disaccharide.
Step 2: Recall the different types of bonds. A glycosidic linkage is a type of covalent bond that joins a carbohydrate (sugar) molecule to another group, which may or may not be another carbohydrate. A phosphodiester bond occurs in the backbone of DNA and RNA, linking the 3' carbon of one nucleotide to the 5' carbon of another. A peptide bond is a chemical bond formed between two molecules when the carboxyl group of one molecule reacts with the amino group of the other molecule, releasing a molecule of water. This is a dehydration synthesis reaction, and it is most common in the formation of proteins. A hydrogen bond is a weak bond between two molecules resulting from an electrostatic attraction between a proton in one molecule and an electronegative atom in the other.
Step 3: Apply your knowledge to the question. In the case of a disaccharide, two sugar molecules are being joined together. This is done through a glycosidic linkage, which is a type of covalent bond that joins a carbohydrate molecule to another group.
Step 4: Choose the correct answer. Based on the information above, the correct answer is a. glycosidic linkage.
Step 5: Review the concept. A glycosidic linkage is a type of covalent bond that joins a carbohydrate (sugar) molecule to another group. This is the type of bond that is formed between two sugar molecules in a disaccharide.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Disaccharides

Disaccharides are carbohydrates formed by the combination of two monosaccharides through a condensation reaction. This process results in the release of a water molecule and the formation of a covalent bond between the sugar units. Common examples of disaccharides include sucrose (glucose + fructose) and lactose (glucose + galactose).
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Glycosidic Linkage

A glycosidic linkage is a type of covalent bond that connects two sugar molecules in a disaccharide. This bond is formed when the hydroxyl group of one sugar reacts with the anomeric carbon of another, resulting in the release of water. The specific type of glycosidic bond can vary depending on the orientation of the involved hydroxyl groups, influencing the properties of the resulting carbohydrate.
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Types of Biological Bonds

In biology, various types of bonds play crucial roles in molecular interactions. Glycosidic linkages are specific to carbohydrates, while peptide bonds link amino acids in proteins, and phosphodiester bonds connect nucleotides in nucleic acids. Understanding these bonds is essential for grasping how biomolecules are structured and function within living organisms.
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