Identify a disaccharide that fits each of the following descriptions:


(a) ordinary table sugar

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the common name for ordinary table sugar.
2. Recall that ordinary table sugar is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose.
3. Understand that the chemical name for this disaccharide is sucrose.
4. Recognize that sucrose is a non-reducing sugar because it does not have a free anomeric carbon.
5. Note that sucrose is commonly used as a sweetener in food and beverages.

Key Concepts

Disaccharides

Disaccharides are carbohydrates formed by the combination of two monosaccharides through a glycosidic bond. They serve as important energy sources in biological systems. Common examples include sucrose, lactose, and maltose, each composed of different monosaccharide units.

Sucrose

Sucrose is a specific disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose. It is commonly known as table sugar and is widely used as a sweetener in food and beverages. Sucrose is naturally found in many plants, particularly in sugarcane and sugar beets.

Glycosidic Bond

A glycosidic bond is a type of covalent bond that links monosaccharides together to form disaccharides and polysaccharides. This bond is formed through a dehydration reaction, where a water molecule is released. The nature of the glycosidic bond influences the properties and digestibility of the resulting carbohydrate.