Free interactive chemistry · SIM-BIO-004
Carbohydrate structures
Glucose closes into a ring (α or β), and sugars join by glycosidic links.
Open the interactive simulation →How to use this simulation
- Choose “Glucose” and switch between the open chain, α ring and β ring.
- Move the time slider to watch mutarotation.
- Choose “Di- & polysaccharides” to compare sucrose, maltose, starch and cellulose.
What to notice
- α and β differ only at C1.
- Reducing sugars have a free C1 that can open up.
Try this
Why is sucrose non-reducing?
Try it for free →