Disaccharides

Definition

Disaccharides are carbohydrates composed of two monosaccharide molecules bonded together. They are essential for energy storage and transport in living organisms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Common examples of disaccharides include sucrose, lactose, and maltose.
2. Disaccharides are formed through a dehydration reaction, where a water molecule is removed.
3. The bond between the two monosaccharides is called a glycosidic bond.
4. Enzymes such as sucrase, lactase, and maltase break down disaccharides into monosaccharides during digestion.
5. Disaccharides play a crucial role in the human diet by providing a quick source of energy.

Review Questions

• What type of bond connects the two monosaccharide units in a disaccharide?
• Name three common disaccharides that are important in biology.
• Which enzymes are responsible for breaking down disaccharides during digestion?

Related terms

Monosaccharides: Simple sugars that serve as the building blocks for more complex carbohydrates.

Polysaccharides: Carbohydrates made up of more than two monosaccharide units, often used for energy storage or structural purposes.

Glycosidic Bond: A type of covalent bond that links carbohydrate molecules together in di- and polysaccharides.