Allose

Allose is a type of monosaccharide or simple sugar, specifically a hexose. It is one of the rare sugars found in nature. Allose is an aldose, meaning it contains an aldehyde group.

Structure and Properties

Allose is a six-carbon sugar with the chemical formula C6H12O6. It is a structural isomer of glucose, meaning it has the same molecular formula but a different structural arrangement. The structure of allose can exist in both a straight-chain form and a cyclic form. The cyclic form is more stable and is the form predominantly found in nature.

Structure of Allose

The straight-chain form of allose contains an aldehyde group at one end, making it an aldose. The cyclic form of allose is a six-membered ring, known as a pyranose, which is the most common form for hexoses.

Biological Role

Allose is not a common sugar in nature. It has been found in small amounts in some microorganisms and plants. It is not known to play a significant role in human metabolism. However, it has been studied for potential therapeutic uses, such as in the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Synthesis

Allose can be synthesized in the laboratory from other sugars, such as glucose, through a series of chemical reactions. The synthesis of allose is not straightforward and requires specialized knowledge and equipment.

See Also

• Monosaccharide
• Glucose
• Aldose
• Isomer