Mannose
Mannose
Mannose (/ˈmænoʊs/) is a sugar monomer of the aldohexose series of carbohydrates. Mannose is important in human metabolism, especially in the glycosylation of certain proteins.
Etymology
The term "Mannose" derives from the German "Mannazucker," which was coined by Emil Fischer, a German chemist, in 1888. "Mannazucker" itself is derived from "Manna," a biblical food substance, and "Zucker," the German word for sugar.
Structure and Properties
Mannose is a C-2 epimer of glucose. Mannose is important in biochemistry and it is found in the glycoproteins that cover the surfaces of many cells. It is metabolized in the body through the process of glycosylation.
Biological Role
In humans, mannose is an important part of various biochemical processes. It is a key component in the structure of many proteins and lipids, and it plays a crucial role in cellular communication. Mannose is also involved in the immune response, as it is recognized by certain types of immune cells.
Related Terms
- Monosaccharide: The simplest form of sugar and the most basic units of carbohydrates.
- Aldohexose: A hexose, a monosaccharide with six carbon atoms, having an aldehyde functional group at position 1.
- Glycosylation: The reaction in which a carbohydrate is attached to a hydroxyl or other functional group of another molecule.
- Glycoprotein: Proteins that contain oligosaccharide chains covalently attached to polypeptide side-chains.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mannose
- Wikipedia's article - Mannose
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