Disaccharide

Key Stage 4

Meaning

Disaccharides are sugars made from two monosaccharides that are all isomers with the formula C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁.

About Disaccharides

Disaccharides react together in a polymerisation reaction.

Disaccharides must be broken into monosaccharides before they can provide energy to the cells via respiration.

The three main disaccharides are:

• Maltose
• Lactose
• Sucrose

References

AQA

Disaccharide, page 252, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA

Disaccharides, page 172, GCSE Chemistry; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA