Aldose

Definition

Aldose is a type of carbohydrate that contains an aldehyde group (-CHO) on the first carbon atom. These sugars are classified based on the number of carbon atoms present, ranging from three to six or more.

Related terms

Monosaccharide:

The simplest form of carbohydrates that cannot be hydrolyzed further to give simpler sugars.

Ketose:

A type of carbohydrate that contains a ketone group (C=O) on the second carbon atom instead of an aldehyde group.

Glyceraldehyde:

A three-carbon aldose with one aldehyde group, serving as a simple example within this family and a central intermediate in metabolic pathways