What are Monosaccharides?

Monosaccharides are polyhydric aldehydes and ketones that cannot be hydrolyzed into simple carbohydrates. Monosaccharides are classified as:

• Aldoses-Monosaccharides containing an aldehyde (-CHO) group are called aldoses. This group (-CHO) is always present at one end of the CH₁₂0 carbon chain, that is, at C₁.
• Ketoses- Monosaccharides containing the keto (C = 0) group are called ketoses. In all naturally occurring ketoses, the keto is on carbon next to the terminal carbon, that is, at C₂. group exists.

Predicated on the composition of carbon atoms, they’re else broke down as triose, tetraose, pentose, hexose, heptose, etc. Thus, when nominating these monosaccharides, the prefix indicates the composition of carbon atoms similar as tetra- (4), Penta- (5), Hexa- (6), hepta- (7), etc. is comprehended in the expression aldose or is done. ketos. For illustration, an aldopentose means that it’s an aldehyde carbohydrate- bearing five carbon atoms. Also, ketohexose means a ketone holding six carbon atoms.  

Most monosaccharides are found in nature. They are colorless, crystalline solids, soluble in water, and have a sweet taste. These are quite stable and are not hydrolyzed. They sizzle when heated and give off a distinctive odor. Optionally active.

All monosaccharides and disaccharides are sweet, the so-called sugars. All monosaccharides and disaccharides (except sucrose) are reduced by Fehling’s solution or Tollen’s reagent, so they are called reducing sugars. These sugars have free aldehyde and ketonic groups. If the reducing group i.e. aldehyde or ketonic group is bonded then they are called reducing sugars. These sugars, such as sucrose, do not reduce tollen or Fehling’s solution.

The branch of chemistry that deals with the molecules involved in living things is called biochemistry. Carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and nucleic acids are some of the major components of our body. These are collectively called biomolecules.

A biomolecule is sometimes associated as a biological molecule, a term that refers to molecules found in living objects that are important for one or additional biological processes, analogous to cell division, morphogenesis, or development. Large macromolecules (or polyanions) similar to proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, as well as primary metabolites, secondary metabolites, and smaller moieties, similar to natural products, are all examples of biomolecules. Natural material is the more broad term for this type of material. Biomolecules are essential factors of living organisms. While endogenous biomolecules are made within the organism, organisms usually require external biomolecules, such as specific nutrients, to be present.

Carbohydrates are optically active polyhydroxy aldehydes or polyhydroxy ketones or substances that upon hydrolyzed would produce these types of compounds.