Arabinose
Arabinose[edit | edit source]
DL-Arabinose
Alpha-D-Arabinofuranose
Beta-D-Arabinofuranose
Alpha-D-Arabinopyranose
Beta-D-Arabinopyranose
Arabinose[edit | edit source]
Arabinose is a monosaccharide sugar that is found in nature, primarily in the form of a pentose sugar. It is a five-carbon sugar with the chemical formula C_H__O_. Arabinose is commonly found in plants, particularly in the form of polysaccharides such as hemicellulose and pectin.
Structure[edit | edit source]
Arabinose exists in two stereoisomeric forms: D-arabinose and L-arabinose. The L-form is more common in nature. The structure of arabinose is similar to that of other pentoses, with a chain of five carbon atoms, each bonded to hydroxyl groups and hydrogen atoms. The configuration of the hydroxyl groups determines the specific isomer.
Biological Role[edit | edit source]
In nature, arabinose is a component of various biopolymers. It is a constituent of hemicellulose, which is a major component of the cell walls of plants. Arabinose is also found in pectin, a polysaccharide that is important in the structure of plant cell walls and is used in the food industry as a gelling agent.
Metabolism[edit | edit source]
Arabinose can be metabolized by certain bacteria and yeasts. In bacteria, the L-arabinose operon is a well-studied system that allows the organism to utilize arabinose as a source of carbon. The operon includes genes that encode enzymes necessary for the conversion of arabinose into intermediates that enter central metabolic pathways.
Industrial Applications[edit | edit source]
Arabinose is used in various industrial applications. It is utilized in the production of biofuels and as a precursor for the synthesis of other chemicals. In the food industry, arabinose is sometimes used as a low-calorie sweetener.
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