Glükoosii

Glükoosii, also known as glucose, is a simple sugar and a vital carbohydrate that serves as the primary source of energy for most living organisms. Its chemical formula is C6H12O6. In its pure form, it is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. Glucose is a monosaccharide, meaning it cannot be broken down into simpler sugars by hydrolysis. It exists in both open-chain and ring structures, with the ring form being more stable.

The body obtains glucose through the digestion of complex carbohydrates found in foods like grains, fruits, and vegetables. Once absorbed into the bloodstream, glucose levels are regulated by hormones, primarily insulin and glucagon, produced by the pancreas. Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells for energy production or storage as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Glucagon, conversely, signals the release of stored glucose when blood sugar levels drop.

Beyond its role in immediate energy, glucose is a fundamental building block for larger carbohydrate molecules. It is a key component of disaccharides like sucrose (table sugar) and lactose (milk sugar), and polysaccharides such as starch, glycogen, and cellulose. Photosynthesis in plants is the primary process by which glucose is synthesized from carbon dioxide and water, using sunlight as energy. This process underpins much of the food chain on Earth. Disorders related to glucose metabolism, such as diabetes mellitus, are significant public health concerns worldwide.