Refer to the cellobiose structure in Worked Example 20.5. How would you classify the link between the monosaccharides in cellobiose?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the two monosaccharides that make up cellobiose. Cellobiose is composed of two glucose molecules.
2. Examine the type of glycosidic bond that connects the two glucose units. Glycosidic bonds are formed between the anomeric carbon of one sugar and a hydroxyl group of another.
3. Determine the position of the glycosidic bond. In cellobiose, the bond is between the C1 of one glucose and the C4 of the other glucose.
4. Identify the orientation of the glycosidic bond. Check if the bond is alpha ($\alpha$) or beta ($\beta$). In cellobiose, the bond is a $\beta$-glycosidic bond.
5. Classify the glycosidic linkage. Since the bond is between C1 and C4 and is a $\beta$-linkage, it is classified as a $\beta$(1→4) glycosidic bond.

Key Concepts

Glycosidic Bond

A glycosidic bond is a type of covalent bond that connects two monosaccharides through a dehydration reaction, resulting in the formation of a disaccharide. In cellobiose, this bond specifically links the anomeric carbon of one glucose unit to the hydroxyl group of another glucose unit, creating a β(1→4) linkage.

Disaccharides

Disaccharides are carbohydrates formed by the combination of two monosaccharides through glycosidic bonds. Cellobiose, composed of two glucose molecules, is an example of a disaccharide that plays a significant role in the structure of cellulose, a major component of plant cell walls.

Monosaccharide Classification

Monosaccharides are classified based on the number of carbon atoms they contain and the functional groups present. In the case of cellobiose, both constituent monosaccharides are hexoses, specifically glucose, which is a six-carbon sugar. Understanding this classification helps in analyzing the properties and reactions of carbohydrates.