Question

In maltose, the glucose residues are linked by which of the following linkages?

• A. $\beta$-1, 4 linkage
• B. $\alpha$-1, 4 linkage
• C. $\alpha$-1, 6 linkage
• D. $\alpha$-1, 2 linkage

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$\alpha$-1, 4 linkage

Maltose is a disaccharide made up of two units each of glucose. The two units of glucose are joined together covalently by an O-glycosidic bond which is formed when a hydroxyl group on one sugar reacts with the anomeric carbon on another. The glycosidic linkage in maltose is formed between C-1 or the anomeric carbon of one glucose residue and C-4 of another. The configuration of the anomeric carbon atom in the glycosidic linkage between the two D-Glucose residues is alpha. The linkage is also called as $\alpha$-1, 4 linkage.