2.2.2
Disaccharides & Polysaccharides
Disaccharides and Polysaccharides
Disaccharides and Polysaccharides
When two monosaccharides join via a condensation reaction, they form a disaccharide. When more than two monosaccharides join together, they form a polysaccharide chain.


Examples of disaccharides
Examples of disaccharides
- Glucose + glucose → maltose.
- Glucose + fructose → sucrose.
- Glucose + galactose → lactose.


Functions of disaccharides
Functions of disaccharides
- Sucrose is common table sugar.
- Lactose is the sugar found in milk.
- Lactose intolerance is a common problem where the body is unable to digest lactose.


Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides
- Polysaccharides are made up of three or more monosaccharides joined together by glycosidic bonds.
- The chain may be branched or unbranched.
- The chain may contain different types of monosaccharides.
- Starch, glycogen, cellulose and chitin are examples of polysaccharides.
Benedict's Test for Sugars
Benedict's Test for Sugars
Benedict’s solution (also known as Benedict's reagent or the Benedict’s test) can be used as a test for reducing and non-reducing sugars.


Reducing sugars
Reducing sugars
- All monosaccharides are reducing sugars.
- E.g. Glucose, galactose and fructose.
- Some disaccharides are reducing sugars.
- E.g. Lactose and maltose.


Test for reducing sugars
Test for reducing sugars
- Benedict's solution can be reduced by reducing sugars.
- Benedict's solution is a clear blue liquid that changes colour and gives a precipitate depending on how much it is reduced.
- Step 1: Place 2 ml of the substance in a boiling tube (substance must be in liquid form).
- Step 2: Add 10 drops of Benedict's solution.
- Step 3: Place in a boiling water bath for 3-5 minutes.


Results of the Benedict's test
Results of the Benedict's test
- Blue solution → no reducing sugar.
- Green/yellow precipitate → traces of reducing sugar.
- Orange/red precipitate → moderate amounts of reducing sugar.
- Brick red precipitate → large amount of reducing sugar.


Non-reducing sugars
Non-reducing sugars
- Non-reducing sugars will show a negative result to the Benedict’s test. A second test is needed to determine if non-reducing sugar is present.
- Sucrose is a non-reducing sugar. It is a disaccharide made up of glucose and fructose joined by a glycosidic bond.


Test for non-reducing sugars
Test for non-reducing sugars
- Step 1: Boil in dilute HCl (to hydrolyse the non-reducing sugar).
- Step 2: Neutralise the solution by adding sodium hydrogen carbonate.
- Step 3: Repeat the Benedict’s test.
- The result will now be positive if a non-reducing sugar is present.
- If the solution remains blue, then no sugar is present.
1Cell Biology
1.1Introduction to Cells
1.2Ultrastructure of Cells
1.3Membrane Structure
1.4Membrane Transport
1.5The Origin of Cells
2Molecular Biology
2.1Water
2.2Carbohydrates & Lipids
2.3Proteins
2.4Enzymes
2.5Structure of DNA & RNA
2.6DNA Replication, Transcription & Translation
2.7Cell Respiration
2.8Photosynthesis
3Genetics
3.1Genes
3.2Chromosomes
3.3Meiosis
3.4Inheritance
3.5Genetic Modification & Biotechnology
4Ecology
4.1Species, Communities & Ecosytems
4.3Carbon Cycle
5Evolution & Biodiversity
5.1Evidence for Evolution
5.2Natural Selection
5.3Classification of Biodiversity
6Human Physiology
6.1Digestion & Absorption
6.2The Blood System
6.3Defence Against Infectious Disease
6.5Neurons & Synapses
7AHL: Nucleic Acids
7.1DNA Structure & Replication
7.2Transcription & Gene Expression
8AHL: Metabolism, Cell Respiration & Photosynthesis
8.1Metabolism
8.2Cell Respiration
9AHL: Plant Biology
9.1Transport in the Xylem of Plants
9.2Transport in the Phloem of Plants
9.3Growth in Plants
10AHL: Genetics & Evolution
10.1Meiosis
10.2Inheritance
10.2.1Linked Genes
10.2.2Sex-Linked Genes
10.2.3Non-Nuclear Inheritance
10.2.4Chi-Squared Test
10.2.5End of Topic Quiz - Inheritance
10.2.6IB Multiple Choice - Non-Mendelian Genetics
10.2.7Introduction to Non-Mendelian Inheritance
10.2.8Extended Response - Inheritance
10.2.9Grade 4-5 (Scientific Practices) - Inheritance
11AHL: Animal Physiology
11.1Antibody Production & Vaccination
11.3The Kidney & Osmoregulation
Jump to other topics
1Cell Biology
1.1Introduction to Cells
1.2Ultrastructure of Cells
1.3Membrane Structure
1.4Membrane Transport
1.5The Origin of Cells
2Molecular Biology
2.1Water
2.2Carbohydrates & Lipids
2.3Proteins
2.4Enzymes
2.5Structure of DNA & RNA
2.6DNA Replication, Transcription & Translation
2.7Cell Respiration
2.8Photosynthesis
3Genetics
3.1Genes
3.2Chromosomes
3.3Meiosis
3.4Inheritance
3.5Genetic Modification & Biotechnology
4Ecology
4.1Species, Communities & Ecosytems
4.3Carbon Cycle
5Evolution & Biodiversity
5.1Evidence for Evolution
5.2Natural Selection
5.3Classification of Biodiversity
6Human Physiology
6.1Digestion & Absorption
6.2The Blood System
6.3Defence Against Infectious Disease
6.5Neurons & Synapses
7AHL: Nucleic Acids
7.1DNA Structure & Replication
7.2Transcription & Gene Expression
8AHL: Metabolism, Cell Respiration & Photosynthesis
8.1Metabolism
8.2Cell Respiration
9AHL: Plant Biology
9.1Transport in the Xylem of Plants
9.2Transport in the Phloem of Plants
9.3Growth in Plants
10AHL: Genetics & Evolution
10.1Meiosis
10.2Inheritance
10.2.1Linked Genes
10.2.2Sex-Linked Genes
10.2.3Non-Nuclear Inheritance
10.2.4Chi-Squared Test
10.2.5End of Topic Quiz - Inheritance
10.2.6IB Multiple Choice - Non-Mendelian Genetics
10.2.7Introduction to Non-Mendelian Inheritance
10.2.8Extended Response - Inheritance
10.2.9Grade 4-5 (Scientific Practices) - Inheritance
11AHL: Animal Physiology
11.1Antibody Production & Vaccination
11.3The Kidney & Osmoregulation
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