Glykozidové

Glykozidové refers to compounds that contain a glycosidic bond, a type of covalent bond that links a carbohydrate molecule (a sugar) to another functional group, which can be another sugar, a protein, a lipid, or a non-carbohydrate molecule called an aglycone. When a sugar molecule is bonded to a non-sugar molecule, the resulting compound is called a glycoside.

The glycosidic bond is formed through a dehydration reaction, where a molecule of water is removed. This bond is crucial for the structure and function of many biological molecules. For instance, in plants, glycosides can serve as defense mechanisms, store energy, or transport compounds. Many natural products with medicinal properties are glycosides.

The breakdown of glycosidic bonds typically occurs through hydrolysis, often catalyzed by enzymes called glycosidases. This process releases the sugar component and the aglycone. The properties and biological activity of a glycoside are determined by both the sugar moiety and the aglycone. Examples of well-known glycosides include digitalis glycosides used in heart medication, and anthocyanins, which are pigments responsible for the colors of many fruits and flowers. The term "glykozidové" encompasses this broad class of compounds and their associated chemical properties.