Aldohexose
Aldohexose
Aldohexose (/ˈældoʊˌhɛksoʊs/) is a type of monosaccharide with six carbon atoms and an aldehyde group. It is a subtype of hexose, which refers to any monosaccharide with six carbon atoms.
Etymology
The term "Aldohexose" is derived from two parts: "aldo-" from aldehyde and "-hexose" from the Greek word "hex" meaning six, referring to the six carbon atoms in the molecule.
Types of Aldohexose
There are eight different aldohexoses, which differ in the configuration of the hydroxyl groups. These include:
Each of these aldohexoses can exist in a D-form and an L-form, depending on the orientation of the hydroxyl group on the fifth carbon atom.
Biological Importance
Aldohexoses, particularly glucose, play a crucial role in the energy metabolism of living organisms. They are the primary source of energy for cells and are involved in various metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and the pentose phosphate pathway.
Related Terms
- Ketohexose: A type of hexose that contains a ketone group instead of an aldehyde group.
- Aldose: A monosaccharide that contains an aldehyde group.
- Fischer projection: A two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional organic molecule by projection.
- Haworth projection: A common way of representing the cyclic structure of monosaccharides with a simple three-dimensional perspective.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Aldohexose
- Wikipedia's article - Aldohexose
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