[Chemistry Class Notes] on Difference Between Glucose and Fructose Pdf for Exam

Glucose and Fructose are two Simple Sugars. Simple carbohydrates are classified in two ways:

Monosaccharide: A monosaccharide is the most basic form of carbohydrates. The most fundamental source of carbohydrates is a monosaccharide. Within cells, monosaccharides have various roles. Monosaccharides are, first and foremost, used to generate and store energy. Most of the species produce energy by breaking down the monosaccharide glucose and processing the energy released from the bonds. Ex. glucose and Fructose.

Disaccharide: A molecule formed by two monosaccharides, or simple sugars, is a disaccharide, also called a double sugar. Disaccharides are formed by dehydration reactions in which a total of one water molecule is separated from the two monosaccharides. Ex. Sucrose, maltose, and lactose.

Glucose 

Glucose is a monosaccharide, also known as grape sugar. It is an aldohexose. Glucose is the preferred source of energy for our muscles and brain. 

Preparation of Glucose

1. From Sucrose (cane sugar): By boiling sucrose in an alcoholic solution with dilute HCl and H2SO4, we can obtain glucose and fructose in exactly equal amounts. 

C12H22O11(Sucrose)+ H2O → C6H12O6 (Glucose)+ C6H12O6 (Fructose)

2. From Starch: Glucose can be obtained by the hydrolysis of starch in boiled and dilute H2SO4 at 393 K under pressure.

(C6H10O4)n (Starch or cellulose) + nH2O + H+ → nC6H12O6 (Glucose)

Uses of Glucose

• It is provided to patients who are extremely ill and unable to feed because it offers calories from carbohydrates

• It is used in the treatment of low blood sugar. 

• It is used for the synthesis of matter as a precursor.

Fructose

Fructose is naturally found in fruits and vegetables, primarily metabolized in our livers.  Via glycolysis, fructose is used to generate energy. However, fructose is also involved in lipogenesis, which is how fat is formed, unlike glucose. Fructose belongs to a group called ketose. Oligosaccharides are formed when fructose interacts with other monosaccharides. With the help of a glycosidic bond, Sucrose has a fructose molecule joined with a glucose molecule.

Uses of Fructose

• Crystalline fructose is used in the food industry to improve flavour.

• It is found in flavoured water, energy drinks, items that are low in calories, etc.

• In the manufacture of smooth, moist cookies, nutrition bars, low-calorie products, etc., fruit sugar is used.

How can fructose be harmful to your health?

Fructose can be harmful to your health in the following ways: 

Fructose alters blood sugar levels more slowly than glucose and appears to have no effect on insulin levels. Unlike glucose, which is digested throughout the body, fructose is metabolised almost exclusively by the liver. Overeating can lead to a fatty liver and visceral fat around vital organs over time. The increased frequency of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is linked to the fructose-rich Standard American Diet. Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes can be triggered by this disorder.

Furthermore, whereas glucose boosts the hormone of fullness, there is some evidence that fructose has the opposite effect. As a result, some specialists believe that high-fructose diets contribute to eating disorders. Simply put, if you do not feel satisfied, you will eat more.

Is this to say that we should not eat fruit because it is high in fructose? The answer is (for the most part) no. There are more aspects to consider in nutrition than just one unit of measurement, such as fructose content. Fruits, unlike fructose-rich but nutritionally deficient junk foods and drinks, include a variety of other beneficial components. Because they’re high in water and fibre, their fructose is released slowly. Candy and drink, on the other hand, instantly flood the liver with sugar.

Fruits are also nutrient-dense, including a wide range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and polyphenols. Diets high in fruits and vegetables have been linked to a lower incidence of heart disease, diabetes, and strokes in studies. They have even been connected to better mental wellness.

Having said that, veggies, rather than fruits, should provide the majority of your carbohydrates. While most people can tolerate fructose from fruits, diabetics should be cautious. Consult your doctor to determine the amount of fructose that is safe for you to consume.

Solved Examples

1. How Can We Obtain Glucose from the Starch?

Ans: Glucose can be obtained by the hydrolysis of starch in boiled and dilute H2SO4 at 393 K under pressure.

(C6H10O5)n (Starch or cellulose) + nH2O + H+ → nC6H12O6 (Glucose)

2. What are Some of the Common Differences Between Glucose and Fructose?

Ans: Glucose is a 6 membered ring, whereas fructose is a 5 membered ring. Glucose produces less fat compared to fructose in our bodies. Glucose is aldohexose, whereas Fructose is Ketohexose. 

3. What is Fructose Used for?

Ans: The basic natural sugar present in bananas, honey, and vegetables is fructose. Fructose has been used as a sweetener for a long time in its pure form and has benefits for certain groups of people, including individuals with diabetes and those seeking to control their weight. 

4. What are Some of the Physical Properties of Glucose?

Ans: Glucose has the chemical formula C5H12O6 with a molecular weight of 180.16 g/mol. It’s a monosaccharide, with a density of 1.54 g/cm3.

5. What are the Properties of Fructose?

Ans: Compared to other carbohydrates, such as glucose, which has a melting point of 146 ° C, fructose has a lower melting point. The fructose compound has a molar mass
of 180.16 mol / g and a density of 1.69 g / cm2. Refined fructose that is crystallized is pure and powdery. 

Fun Facts

• Natural fructose is a natural form of sugar. However, in junk foods, artificially produced fructose is used as a preservative, causing weight gain if so much is eaten over time.

This is all about glucose, fructose, and their differences. Focus on the conceptual points and understand the differences well. Check out how they are used in daily life and prepare the topic well.