Question

What are L and D glucose?

Answer 1

Glucose

1. Glucose is a type of simple sugar from which the body derives energy.
2. This monosaccharide has a molecular formula -$C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$.
3. Glucose occurs in two conformations or isomers naturally, called D-glucose and L-glucose.
4. Isomers have the same molecular formula and different arrangements of atoms.
5. They can rotate the plane of polarized light in either clockwise or anti-clockwise directions.

D-glucose

1. More widespread in nature and main energy source.
2. It rotates the plane of polarized light in clockwise order.
3. D-glucose exists in cyclic and linear forms.

L-glucose

1. Less frequently seen in nature and good to be used by diabetics.
2. It rotates the plane of polarized light in anti-clockwise order.
3. L-glucose exists in an equilibrium mixture of alpha and beta forms of L-glucose.