Disaccharides (Edexcel A (SNAB) A Level Biology)

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Cara Head

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Cara Head

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Disaccharides: Structure

  • Two monosaccharides can join together via condensation reactions to form disaccharides
    • A condensation reaction is one in which two molecules join together via the formation of a new chemical bond, with a molecule of water being released in the process
    • The new chemical bond that forms between two monosaccharides is known as a glycosidic bond
  • Common examples of disaccharides include
    • Maltose 
      • Contains two molecules of glucose linked by a 1,4 glycosidic bond
        • This means that the glycosidic bond is located between carbon 1 of one monosaccharide and carbon 4 of the other
    • Sucrose 
      • Contains a molecule of glucose and a molecule of fructose linked by a 1,2 glycosidic bond
        • This means that the glycosidic bond is located between carbon 1 of one monosaccharide and carbon 2 of the other
    • Lactose 
      • Contains a molecule of glucose and a molecule of galactose linked by a 1,4 glycosidic bond

sucrose-formation-newSucrose is a disaccharide formed from a molecule of glucose (left) and a molecule of fructose (right) joined together by a 1,2 glycosidic bond

Disaccharides: Function

  • The function of disaccharides is to provide the body with a quick-release source of energy
    • Disaccharides are made up of two sugar molecules so they're easily broken down by enzymes in the digestive system into their respective monosaccharides and then absorbed into the bloodstream
  • Due to the presence of a large number of hydroxyl groups, disaccharides are easily soluble in water
    • These hydroxyl groups form hydrogen bonds with the water molecules when dissolved in aqueous solutions
  • Just like monosaccharides they are sweet in taste
    • Sucrose, also known as table sugar, is an example

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Cara Head

Author: Cara Head

Expertise: Biology

Cara graduated from the University of Exeter in 2005 with a degree in Biological Sciences. She has fifteen years of experience teaching the Sciences at KS3 to KS5, and Psychology at A-Level. Cara has taught in a range of secondary schools across the South West of England before joining the team at SME. Cara is passionate about Biology and creating resources that bring the subject alive and deepen students' understanding