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Monosaccharide Meaning: Definition and Examples

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monosaccharide

[ˌmɒnəˈsækəraɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

biochemistry

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of a single sugar molecule. They are the building blocks of more complex carbohydrates like disaccharides and polysaccharides. Common examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Synonyms

glucose, simple sugar, sugar.

Examples of usage

  • Glucose is a primary monosaccharide used for energy by cells.
  • Fruits are rich in monosaccharides, especially fructose.
  • Monosaccharides are easily absorbed by the body.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Monosaccharides are the building blocks of more complex carbohydrates like starch and cellulose.
  • Common examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose, each playing vital roles in biological processes.

Nutrition

  • They provide quick energy to our bodies, making them favored for athletes during high-intensity workouts.
  • High fructose corn syrup, often found in snacks, is derived from a monosaccharide, leading to energy spikes.

Applications in Technology

  • Monosaccharides are used in food preservation, as they can help retain moisture and flavor in processed foods.
  • In biotechnology, they're utilized in fermentation processes to produce various products like alcohol and yogurt.

Health

  • Eating too many simple sugars, like those from monosaccharides, can lead to health issues like diabetes.
  • Monitoring sugar intake is essential, as our bodies metabolize monosaccharides quickly, affecting blood sugar levels.

Origin of 'monosaccharide'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Greek, where 'monos' means 'single' and 'saccharon' means 'sugar.'
  • It started being used in scientific language in the early 19th century as sugar chemistry developed.

The term 'monosaccharide' is derived from the Greek words 'mono', meaning 'single', and 'saccharum', meaning 'sugar'. The concept of monosaccharides emerged in the 19th century, as scientists began to understand the structure of carbohydrates. Initial studies in chemistry and biochemistry highlighted the importance of these simple sugars in metabolic pathways. Monosaccharides are crucial for life, serving as foundational units for energy production and as components of nucleic acids. Their study has played an important role in nutrition, molecular biology, and medicine, giving insights into how sugars influence health and disease.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,607 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.