Question

Give the general formula of monosaccharides and disaccharides.

Answer 1

Monosaccharides:

1. Monosaccharides are the simplest carbohydrates that cannot be further hydrolyzed.
2. Ribose and glucose are two examples of monosaccharides.

The familiar monosaccharide formula is:

(CH₂O)_n

Disaccharide:

1. Disaccharides are carbohydrates that, when hydrolyzed, release two monosaccharide units.
2. Sucrose, for example, produces fructose and glucose.
3. Maltose, on the other hand, releases two molecules of glucose when hydrolyzed.

The familiar disaccharide formula is:

(C_nH₂O)_n-1