Trióz

Trióz is a class of carbohydrates that contain three carbon atoms. They are the simplest form of monosaccharides, meaning they cannot be broken down into smaller sugar units by hydrolysis. The general formula for a triose is C3H6O3.

There are two main types of trioses: aldoses and ketoses. Aldotrioses contain an aldehyde functional group, while ketotrioses contain a ketone functional group. The most common aldriose is glyceraldehyde, which exists as two enantiomers, D-glyceraldehyde and L-glyceraldehyde. Dihydroxyacetone is the only common ketotriose.

Trioses play crucial roles in biological pathways. Glyceraldehyde is an intermediate in glycolysis, the metabolic process that breaks down glucose to produce energy. It is also involved in the Calvin cycle, the process plants use to convert carbon dioxide into sugars. Dihydroxyacetone is another intermediate in glycolysis and is also used in the synthesis of fats.

Although simple, trioses are essential building blocks for more complex carbohydrates and are fundamental to energy metabolism in living organisms. Their chiral nature, particularly in the case of glyceraldehyde, is also significant in biochemistry.