What Is a Byproduct of Condensation of Two Molecules of Glucose?

Glucose Structure

• Glucose has a carbon/oxygen backbone. Other hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen atoms are on the sides of the backbone. The UK Biotopics website has excellent glucose structure illustrations.

Reaction Products

• Two glucose molecules have "OH" groups facing each other. Condensation produces a water molecule and an oxygen atom with two bonds (OH + OH -> H2O + -O-). The "-O-" portion connects two glucose molecules, combining them into one longer chain-like formation as outlined in Clinton Community College's Organic Chemistry--Condensation article.

Repeated Process

• Condensation reactions repeated over many glucose molecules in a row give biochemically complex sugars (polysaccharides). These complex molecules are necessary for cell function.

Enzyme Assistance

• Glucose condensation is typically assisted by an enzyme type (synthase). Synthase is not used up during reactions, but instead facilitates and speeds up the process.

Reverse Reaction

• The condensation reaction can proceed in reverse. Two bonded glucose molecules and a water molecule combine to absorb the H2O among the two glucose fragments. As a result, the glucose portions separate.