Understanding Glycosides: Structure and Function Explained

[Hootenanny]

A glycoside is a molecule where two (or more) molecules of sugar are bonded through either the keytone or aldhyde group and the anomeric carbon via an oxygen or sulphur atom. - Is this correct?

If so, does that mean that glycosides are non-reducing sugars because they are bonded through the anomeric carbon, which means the anomeric carbon cannot reduce other molecules?

 

[Hootenanny]

[edit] Doesn't matter I've figured it out

 

[Blueshift5]

Yes, your understanding of glycosides is correct. They are indeed molecules where two or more sugar molecules are bonded together through the keytone or aldhyde group and the anomeric carbon. This bond is usually through an oxygen or sulphur atom.

Regarding your question about non-reducing sugars, yes, glycosides are considered non-reducing sugars because the anomeric carbon is involved in the bond and cannot reduce other molecules. This is because the anomeric carbon is already bonded to another molecule and cannot undergo the necessary chemical reactions to reduce other molecules.

It is important to note that not all glycosides are non-reducing sugars. Some glycosides, such as lactose, can be hydrolyzed to release reducing sugars. However, in general, glycosides are considered non-reducing sugars due to the nature of their bond and the involvement of the anomeric carbon.