Amino sugars

Definition

Amino sugars are a type of monosaccharide (simple sugar) in which a hydroxyl group (-OH) is replaced by an amino group (-NH2). They play crucial roles in the structure and function of biomolecules, such as nucleic acids and glycoproteins.

Related terms

Monosaccharides: The simplest form of carbohydrates consisting of single sugar molecules like glucose and fructose.

Glycosaminoglycans: Long unbranched polysaccharides containing repeating disaccharide units that include amino sugars, crucial for building connective tissues in the body.

N: acetylglucosamine - An example of an amino sugar that is a fundamental component of hyaluronic acid and chitin, playing vital roles in cellular functions and structural integrity