Question

Difference between mono ,oligo and polysaccharides

Answer 1

1.Monosaccharides –  are the simplest carbohydrates, in that they cannot be hydrolyzed to smaller carbohydrates. They are aldehydes or ketones with two or more hydroxyl groups. The general chemical formula of an unmodified monosaccharide is (C•H2O)n, literally a “carbon hydrate.” 

2. Disaccharides- when 2 monosaccharides are linked covalently. eg sucrose, lactose and maltose).

3. Oligosaccharides- when a few monosaccharides are covalently  linked.

4.Polysaccharides- these are normally chains of monosaccharide units linked to form a large structure.