Question

The monosaccharides of maltose is

• A. \( \alpha \)-D-glucose and \( \alpha \)-D-glucose
• B. \( \beta \)-D-glucose and \( \alpha \)-D-glucose
• C. \( \alpha \)-D-glucose and \( \alpha \)-D-fructose
• D. \( \alpha \)-D-glucose and \( \beta \)-D-fructose

Hint:

Remember: Maltose = \( \alpha \)-D-glucose + \( \alpha \)-D-glucose via \( \alpha(1 \rightarrow 4) \) linkage.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Maltose is a disaccharide formed from two units of glucose joined by an \( \alpha(1 \rightarrow 4) \) glycosidic bond.
Step 2: When maltose undergoes hydrolysis (with acid or enzyme like maltase), it yields two molecules of glucose. Both glucose molecules in maltose are typically in the \( \alpha \)-form.
Step 3: The reducing end of maltose has a free hemiacetal group from one \( \alpha \)-D-glucose molecule, while the other is involved in the glycosidic linkage.
Therefore, the monosaccharides formed are two \( \alpha \)-D-glucose molecules.