Carbohydrates Flashcards
1
Q
what are stereoisomers
A
molecules that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other
2
Q
what are 2 forms of glyceraldehyde
A
D and L-glyceraldehyde
3
Q
how are D and L sugars distinguished
A
they are optically active and can rotate plane-polarised light in different directions L- left D- right
4
Q
most hexoses in living organisms are x form?
A
D- stereoisomer form
5
Q
define epimers
A
D sugars that differ in configuration at only 1 asymmetric C atom
6
Q
what reaction allows for linear and ring structures to occur
A
reversible reaction of OH of C5 and anomeric C of C1
