Question

What is the meaning of the prefix deoxy- as it is used in carbohydrate chemistry?

Short answer

Answer: In carbohydrate chemistry, the prefix "deoxy-" signifies a molecule with one less oxygen atom than its parent compound. An example of its usage is deoxyribose, a carbohydrate molecule that has one oxygen atom less than its parent compound, ribose. Deoxyribose is an essential component in the structure of DNA.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the prefix "deoxy-"

Deoxy- is a prefix derived from the Greek word "de" (from) and "oxy" (oxygen), which means "without oxygen" or "less oxygen." It is used in chemistry to indicate the removal of an oxygen atom or to denote a molecule that has fewer oxygen atoms than the parent compound.

Understand carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are organic molecules made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. They have a general formula of C_x(H_2O)_y, where x and y are integers. Carbohydrates are essential components in living organisms, as they serve as energy storage, structural elements, and biomolecules for cell recognition.

Connect "deoxy-" to carbohydrate chemistry

In carbohydrate chemistry, the prefix "deoxy-" is used to denote a carbohydrate molecule that has one oxygen atom less than the parent compound. For example, deoxyribose is a carbohydrate molecule that has one oxygen atom less than its parent compound, ribose. Deoxyribose plays a crucial role in the structure of DNA, the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms. In DNA, deoxyribose is linked to a phosphate group and a nitrogenous base, forming a nucleotide. In conclusion, the prefix "deoxy-" in carbohydrate chemistry signifies a molecule with one less oxygen atom than its parent compound. It helps to differentiate between molecules with different structures, such as ribose and deoxyribose.