Chemical Structure of Fructose

Fructose is a monosaccharide commonly found together with glucose and sucrose. As a monosaccharide, fructose is a simple sugar molecule and considered a basic carbohydrate.

Carbon

Like all organic molecules, the chemical structure of fructose is carbon-based.

Structure

As a 6-carbon polyhydroxyketone, fructose has various structural forms based on acyclic and cyclic isomers. Fructose's chemical structure is very similar to glucose.

Fermentation

Fructose molecules perform anaerobic cellular respiration with bacteria and yeast. Anaerobic respiration, or cellular respiration in the absence of oxygen, is also called fermentation. During fermentation with yeast, fructose is converted to ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide.

In Nature

Fructose is a naturally occurring simple carbohydrate found primarily in honey and fruit.

Carbohyrates

As a monosaccharide carbohydrate, fructose is a simple sugar and the most basic form of stored energy in nature.

Commercial Use

Fructose is added to many foods and drinks because of its sweet flavor. Out of all the naturally occurring sugars and carbohydrates, fructose is the sweetest.

References

• Fructose