Question

Brown algae produce alginate, a polysaccharide containing β-D mannuronate linked 1→4 to its C5 epimer α-L-guluronate. Draw the structure of an alginate disaccharide.

Short answer

Alginate is a polysaccharide, containing repeated units of β-D mannuronate (1 →4) with linked α-L guluronate in the sea brown algae.

Step-by-step solution

Alginate produce in brown algae

In brown algae, alginic acid is extracted and converted into alginates. Alginates are used in food industries as thickening agents.

Structure of alginates

D-mannuronate linked 1→4 with the C5 epimer of the α-L-guluronate and form the polysaccharides as repeated units. The epimer is different in configuration at the stereo genic arrangement. It produces a uniform transparent cross-linking molecule.

Brown algae form alginate by β-D mannuronate and α-L-guluronate.