What is the disaccharide formed from glucose + glucose?

The disaccharide formed from the combination of two glucose molecules is maltose. When two glucose molecules undergo a dehydration synthesis reaction, they join together via a glycosidic bond, specifically an α(1→4) linkage, which results in the formation of maltose. This process involves the removal of a water molecule.

Maltose is commonly found in malted foods and beverages, and it is an important intermediate in the metabolism of starch. It serves as an energy source for both humans and many microorganisms. Understanding maltose and its formation from glucose helps illustrate fundamental biochemical processes regarding energy storage and conversion within cells.

In contrast, sucrose is a disaccharide made from glucose and fructose, while lactose consists of glucose and galactose. Fructose, on the other hand, is a monosaccharide, not a disaccharide. Thus, the understanding of these distinctions among carbohydrates is critical in biochemistry.