AMINO SUGAR Meaning and
Definition
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An amino sugar refers to a type of carbohydrate molecule that contains an amino group in its chemical structure. It is composed of a basic sugar unit, such as glucose or galactose, with an attached amino group. Amino sugars are classified as a subgroup of monosaccharides, which are the simplest form of carbohydrates.
The presence of an amino group in the molecular structure distinguishes amino sugars from regular sugars. The amino group is a chemical functional group composed of a nitrogen atom bonded to hydrogen atoms. Its incorporation into the sugar molecule leads to unique properties and biological functions. Amino sugars are commonly found in nature, occurring naturally in various organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
These sugars play essential roles in many biological processes. They are involved in the synthesis of various biomolecules, such as proteins, glycoproteins, and glycolipids. Amino sugars also participate in cell signaling, cell adhesion, and immune response pathways. Additionally, they contribute to the structural integrity of certain biological structures, like the chitinous exoskeleton of arthropods and the peptidoglycan cell wall of bacteria.
Due to their versatile functions and biological significance, amino sugars have gained attention in fields like medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. Scientists have studied and modified these molecules to manipulate their properties and develop applications in drug synthesis, glycoengineering, and food innovations. Overall, amino sugars play a crucial role in biological systems, providing the basis for various cellular processes and serving as building blocks for important biomolecules.
Common Misspellings for AMINO SUGAR
- zmino sugar
- smino sugar
- wmino sugar
- qmino sugar
- anino sugar
- akino sugar
- ajino sugar
- amuno sugar
- amjno sugar
- amkno sugar
- amono sugar
- am9no sugar
- am8no sugar
- amibo sugar
- amimo sugar
- amijo sugar
- amiho sugar
- amini sugar
- amink sugar
- aminl sugar
Etymology of AMINO SUGAR
The word "amino sugar" is a combination of two parts: "amino" and "sugar".
1. "Amino": The term "amino" refers to the functional group "-NH2" which consists of a nitrogen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms. This group is present in many organic compounds, including amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. The term "amino" originates from the Latin word "aminus", meaning "nitrogen".
2. "Sugar": The word "sugar" has its roots in several languages. In English, it comes from the Middle English word "sugre", which was borrowed from Old French "sucere". The Old French word "sucere" originated from the Latin word "sucrum" or "saccharum", which ultimately came from the Greek word "sákcharon".
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