glukoosimolekyyliin

The glucose molecule, with the chemical formula C6H12O6, is a fundamental carbohydrate and a primary source of energy for living organisms. It is a monosaccharide, meaning it consists of a single sugar unit. Glucose is a hexose, indicating it has six carbon atoms.

In its simplest form, glucose exists as a linear chain. However, in aqueous solutions, it predominantly forms ring structures through intramolecular cyclization. The two most common ring forms are alpha-glucose and beta-glucose, which differ in the orientation of the hydroxyl group on the anomeric carbon. This anomeric carbon is the carbonyl carbon in the open-chain form.

Glucose plays a crucial role in cellular respiration, where it is broken down to release energy in the form of ATP. It is also a building block for larger carbohydrates like starch, glycogen, and cellulose. In plants, glucose is synthesized through photosynthesis. In animals, it is obtained from the diet and regulated in the bloodstream by hormones such as insulin and glucagon. Maintaining a stable blood glucose level, known as blood sugar, is vital for proper bodily function. Disruptions in glucose metabolism can lead to conditions like diabetes mellitus.