Difference Between D-Ribose & Ribose

Carbohydrates, such as ribose, can exist in more than one form. Different configurations, or forms, of ribose have different biological functions.

Function and Purpose

Ribose, a type of sugar, makes up many of the biomolecules found in the human body. It is a key component of ribonucleic acids, or RNA.

Types

Since ribose is not a symmetrical molecule, it comes in two configurations, D-Ribose and L-Ribose. The letter “D” stands for dextrorotatory; “L" stands for levorotatory, which refer to how the side chains of ribose are organized around a point of reference known as the chirality center. Because D-Ribose is the most abundant form, the name is shortened to simply “ribose."

Uses of Ribose

The human body produces only D-Ribose. D-Ribose supplementation improves certain conditions, such as increased blood flow to the heart. L-Ribose is rarer and more expensive to produce than D-Ribose. Though the body does not use L-Ribose, it has pharmaceutical value as the basis for many drugs.

References

• “Organic Chemistry”; John McMurry; 2000
• GreatVista Chemicals: D-Ribose
• WebMD: Ribose
• American Society for Microbiology: Efficient Production of L-Ribose with a Recombinant Escherichia coli Biocatalyst

Resources

• Michigan State University: Virtual Textbook of Organic Chemistry