1. Which sugars are monosaccharides?
Specification: 3.1.2 · Monosaccharides
Glucose, galactose and fructose are monosaccharides: individual sugar units that can be joined into larger carbohydrates. Each has molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₆, but they differ in their molecular arrangements.
The formula alone does not reveal whether two structures are the same sugar. The arrangement of atoms controls properties, including which bonds can be formed and how enzymes interact with a molecule.
- Glucose: a common respiratory substrate.
- Galactose: a component of lactose.
- Fructose: a component of sucrose.