Maltose and isomaltose are both disaccharides made up of two glucose molecules. The two glucose units are connected by a glycosidic bond. However, the way these molecules are bound differs in both these disaccharides.
What is the difference between maltose and isomaltose? In maltose, the two glucose molecules are joined by an α(1→4) glycosidic bond, while in isomaltose, two glucose molecules are joined by an α(1→6) glycosidic bond.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Maltose
– Definition, Features
2. What is Isomaltose
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Maltose and Isomaltose
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Maltose and Isomaltose
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Maltose and Isomaltose
– Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Maltose, Isomaltose
What is Maltose
Maltose is a disaccharide. It is found in foods, especially those derived from grains. Maltose consists of two glucose molecules. They are formed by linking the two molecules by an alpha 1-4 glycosidic bond. This bond connects the carbon atom number 1 of one glucose unit to the carbon atom number 4 of the other.
Maltose is mainly formed as a result of the breakdown of starch, which is a complex carbohydrate in plants. Enzyme amylase helps in this. Sweetness, solubility, and fermentation are some properties of maltose. It is sweeter than glucose but less sweet than sucrose. The solubility of maltose is high in water. Furthermore, it can be fermented by microorganisms to produce alcohol and other products.
There are many applications of maltose. In the food industry, it acts as a sweetener in food products like candies, baked goods, and beverages. It is also used as a fermentable sugar in the production of alcoholic beverages like beer and sake. Moreover, in the brewing industry, maltose is a key component of malt. In addition, in the pharmaceutical industry, maltose acts as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations such as tablets and syrups.
What is Isomaltose
Isomaltose is a disaccharide sugar molecule. It is made up of two glucose units bonded together. In fact, this molecule is very similar to maltose but has a slight structural difference. In isomaltose, the glucose units are linked by alpha-1,6 glycosidic bonds. Here, the first carbon atom of one glucose unit is bonded to the sixth carbon atom of the other.
Isomaltose is a reducing sugar. It can donate electrons to other molecules. This is because of the free aldehyde group present in one of the glucose molecules.
Isomaltose is present in small amounts in nature. However, it is made commercially by treating high maltose syrup with the enzyme transglucosidase. This enzyme catalyzes the transfer of a glucose unit from one molecule to another, forming isomaltose and other oligosaccharides. Moreover, isomaltose is used as a sweetener in some food products, and it is less likely to cause tooth decay. It is also used as a prebiotic, a type of dietary fiber that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Similarities Between Maltose and Isomaltose
- Both maltose and isomaltose have two glucose molecules.
- Moreover, a glycosidic bond connect the two glucose units.
- Both are reducing sugars.
- In addition, both have a sweet taste.
Difference Between Maltose and Isomaltose
Definition
- Maltose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules linked by an alpha-1,4 glycosidic bond, while isomaltose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules linked by alpha-1,6 glycosidic bond.
Linkage
- In maltose, the first glucose unit’s C1 atom is linked to the second glucose unit’s C4 atom, while in isomaltose, the first glucose unit’s C1 atom is linked to the second glucose unit’s C6 atom.
Structure
- Maltose has a linear structure, while isomaltose has a branched structure.
Found In
- Maltose is mainly found in starch and barley, while isomaltose is found in smaller amounts in starch and is often produced during the processing of high-maltose syrups.
Sweetness
- Maltose is slightly sweeter than glucose, while isomaltose is less sweet than maltose.
Digestion
- Maltose is easily digested by the enzyme maltase, whereas isomaltose requires the enzyme isomaltase for digestion.
Conclusion
Maltose and isomaltose are two disaccharides consisting of two glucose units bonded together. In fact, the basic difference between maltose and isomaltose is the way of bonding. In maltose, the two glucose molecules are joined by an α(1→4) glycosidic bond, while in isomaltose, two glucose molecules are joined by an α(1→6) glycosidic bond.
FAQ: Maltose and Isomaltose
1. Is isomaltose the same as maltose?
No, isomaltose and maltose are not the same. They are both disaccharides with two glucose units, but the linkage between them is different. In maltose, the two glucose molecules are joined by an α(1→4) glycosidic bond, while in isomaltose, two glucose molecules are joined by an α(1→6) glycosidic bond.
2. Does isomaltase break down maltose?
Yes, isomaltase breaks down maltose. It is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of maltose into two glucose molecules.
3. What is a substitute for maltose?
Maltose can be substituted with glucose or a mixture of glucose and fructose. Furthermore, these sugars have similar sweetness profiles and can be used in various recipes.
4. What is the function of isomaltase?
Isomaltase is an enzyme that breaks down isomaltose, a disaccharide, into glucose molecules. Moreover, it plays a major role in carbohydrate digestion. This allows the body to absorb and utilize the sugars for energy.
5. Does maltose reduce sugar?
Maltose is a sugar made of two glucose units and is a reducing sugar due to its free aldehyde group. However, it does not lower sugar levels in the body.
Reference:
1. “Isomaltose – An Overview.” Science Direct.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Maltose2” By NEUROtiker – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Isomaltose Structure” By Su-no-G – Own work using: ChemDraw (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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