ASBiologyAQARevision NotesBiological MoleculesBiological Molecules: CarbohydratesGlucose

Glucose (AQA AS Biology): Revision Note

Exam code: 7401

Lára Marie McIvor

Written by: Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewed by: Cara Head

Updated on

The two forms of glucose

  • The most well-known simple sugar monomer is glucose ATP

  • Glucose has the molecular formula C6H12O6

  • Glucose is the most common monosaccharide and is of central importance to most forms of life

  • Glucose exists in two structurally different forms – alpha (α) glucose and beta (β) glucose, and is therefore known as an isomer

    • This structural variety results in different functions between carbohydrates

  • Different polysaccharides are formed from the two isomers of glucose

Diagram showing the straight chain and ring structures of α-glucose and β-glucose, highlighting carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, and their positions in aqueous solutions.
Straight chain and ring structural formula of alpha & beta glucose

Polysaccaride

α-glucose

β-glucose

Starch

✓

x

Glycogen

✓

x

Cellulose

x

✓

Examiner Tips and Tricks

You must recognise and draw the isomers of α and β glucose.

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Author
Reviewer
Lára Marie McIvor

Author: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

Cara Head

Reviewer: Cara Head

Expertise: Biology & Psychology Content Creator

Cara graduated from the University of Exeter in 2005 with a degree in Biological Sciences. She has fifteen years of experience teaching the Sciences at KS3 to KS5, and Psychology at A-Level. Cara has taught in a range of secondary schools across the South West of England before joining the team at SME. Cara is passionate about Biology and creating resources that bring the subject alive and deepen students' understanding

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