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How do we tell if a linkage is alpha or beta in a polysaccharide? Also, should we memorize the types of linkages in specific disaccharides?
For example, EK says maltose has an alpha-1,4 glycosidic linkage (two glucose molecules).
Here is maltose:
It looks to me like the glucose on the left is alpha while the glucose on the right is beta.
Then EK says lactose has a beta-1,4 glycosidic (galactose and glucose)
Here is lactose:
To me the glucose (the one on the left, correct?) is beta, while the galactose is alpha...
So does the alpha/beta designation just come from whatever configuration the monosaccharide donating its anomeric carbon is in?
For example, EK says maltose has an alpha-1,4 glycosidic linkage (two glucose molecules).
Here is maltose:
It looks to me like the glucose on the left is alpha while the glucose on the right is beta.
Then EK says lactose has a beta-1,4 glycosidic (galactose and glucose)
Here is lactose:
To me the glucose (the one on the left, correct?) is beta, while the galactose is alpha...
So does the alpha/beta designation just come from whatever configuration the monosaccharide donating its anomeric carbon is in?
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