Glycosidic linkage

Definition

A glycosidic linkage is a type of covalent bond that connects a carbohydrate (sugar) molecule to another group, which can be another carbohydrate. It is fundamental in the formation of disaccharides and polysaccharides.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Glycosidic linkages are crucial for the structure and function of polysaccharides like cellulose and starch.
2. They can form between the anomeric carbon of one sugar and any hydroxyl group on another sugar molecule.
3. Alpha and beta glycosidic linkages differ based on the orientation of the substituents around the anomeric carbon.
4. Enzymes such as amylase break glycosidic bonds during carbohydrate digestion.
5. The type of glycosidic linkage affects the digestibility and functional properties of carbohydrates.

Review Questions

Related terms

Disaccharide: A carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharides linked by a glycosidic bond.

Polysaccharide: A long-chain carbohydrate made up of multiple monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds.

Anomeric Carbon: The carbon atom in a sugar molecule that forms part of the glycosidic bond.