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Ch.6 Carbohydrates–Life’s Sweet Molecules
Chapter 3, Problem 80

The glycosidic bond in a disaccharide was determined to be α (1→6) . Hydrolysis of the disaccharide produced one galactose and one fructose. Draw the structure of the disaccharide.

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1
Identify the monosaccharides involved: Galactose and Fructose.
Understand the glycosidic linkage: An α (1→6) bond means the first carbon of one sugar is linked to the sixth carbon of the other sugar.
Draw the structure of galactose, ensuring the anomeric carbon (C1) is in the alpha configuration (OH group down).
Draw the structure of fructose, ensuring the C6 is available for bonding.
Connect the C1 of galactose to the C6 of fructose to form the α (1→6) glycosidic bond.

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Key Concepts

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

Glycosidic Bond

A glycosidic bond is a type of covalent bond that connects a carbohydrate (sugar) molecule to another group, which can also be a carbohydrate. In disaccharides, this bond forms between the anomeric carbon of one sugar and a hydroxyl group of another, determining the structure and properties of the sugar. The notation α (1→6) indicates the specific carbons involved in the bond and its orientation.
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Disaccharide Structure

A disaccharide is a carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharide units linked by a glycosidic bond. The specific arrangement of these units and the type of glycosidic bond influence the disaccharide's properties and how it is metabolized. In this case, the disaccharide consists of galactose and fructose, which are linked through an α (1→6) bond.
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Hydrolysis Reaction

Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that involves the breaking of a bond in a molecule using water. In the context of disaccharides, hydrolysis results in the separation of the two monosaccharide units, allowing them to exist independently. This reaction is essential for the digestion of carbohydrates, as it converts complex sugars into simpler forms that can be absorbed by the body.
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